Benni McCarthy Names 36-Man Kenya Squad For Bafana Clashes — South Africa Faces A Major November Test

Former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy has named his provisional 36-man squad for Kenya’s upcoming back-to-back encounters against South Africa in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

The announcement has added excitement to what promises to be an interesting November international window, with McCarthy preparing to face his home country in his first managerial assignment against South Africa.

The Harambee Stars will travel to Johannesburg for the opening encounter on Friday, 13 November 2026, before hosting Bafana Bafana in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November at Nyayo National Stadium.

The two matches will be important opportunities for both technical teams to assess their squads, although the countries enter the fixtures with different qualification circumstances.

McCarthy has included several familiar faces in his provisional selection, with captain Michael Olunga among the players expected to strengthen Kenya’s attacking options.

The experienced forward is joined by Ryan Ogam, Mohammed Bajaber, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth, Job Ochieng and Ben Stanley.

There are also opportunities for younger players, including Aldrine Kibet and Kevin Wangaya, while England-based midfielder Henry Ochieng has earned a place in the squad.

South African football followers will also recognise Ian Otieno, who plays for Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership. His inclusion provides another interesting connection between the two football nations.

Other notable selections include Joseph Okumu, Eric Ouma, Sylvester Owino, Zak Vyner, Alpha Onyango and Alwyn Tera.

The provisional squad consists of five goalkeepers, 13 defenders, seven midfielders and 11 forwards. McCarthy will have to reduce the group before naming his final travelling selection.

Kenya began their Group D campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat away to Guinea. Those results leave McCarthy with plenty to assess as he continues building a competitive national team.

South Africa, meanwhile, made a strong start to the campaign, defeating Guinea 2-1 before recording a convincing 5-0 victory over Eritrea.

There is, however, an important qualification detail. Kenya are co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Tanzania and Uganda, meaning they have an automatic place at the tournament. These qualifying matches therefore provide valuable competitive preparation for the hosts.

For Bafana Bafana, the Group D points remain important as the team seeks to secure its place at the continental showpiece.

The biggest talking point is undoubtedly McCarthy's connection to South African football.

The former Bafana striker remains one of the country's most celebrated footballers and is South Africa's all-time leading men's international goalscorer with 31 goals.

He now finds himself preparing to challenge the national team he once represented, this time from the opposite technical area.

For South African supporters, the double-header will offer an opportunity to see how McCarthy's Kenya side performs against Bafana Bafana.

Source:

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