Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has trimmed his provisional squad from 38 to 24 players as Kenya prepares for its opening assignments in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The South African has made 14 changes to the initial selection, narrowing down the group that will represent Kenya in the opening Group D fixtures against Eritrea and Guinea.

The final selection sees several notable names left out. Goalkeepers Ian Otieno and Caleb Kramer have failed to make the cut, while the defensive department has also seen changes, with Joseph Okumu, Daniel Ayembe, Deon Woodman and Paul Ochuoga omitted.

McCarthy has further left out midfielders Zak Vyner, Kevin Wangaya, Austin Odhiambo, Zech Obiero, Will Lenkupae and Aldrine Kibet. Attackers Adam Wilson, Louis Millard and Lawrence Okoth are also among those dropped from the provisional selection.

The squad reduction gives an early indication of the players McCarthy is trusting as he moves from friendly matches into competitive football for the first time since taking charge of Harambee Stars.

Kenya will begin its Group D campaign at home against Eritrea on September 26, with Nyayo Stadium set to host the opening encounter. The Stars will then travel to Conakry for a meeting with Guinea on October 1 at Stade du 28 Septembre.

The group also includes South Africa, setting up a demanding schedule for McCarthy, who will face his home country later in the campaign.

Despite Kenya already having a place at the 2027 AFCON finals secured as one of the three co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the qualifiers remain significant.

CAF’s format provides only one additional qualification place from a group containing a host nation. The remaining Group D teams will therefore compete for that single ticket to the finals.

For Kenya, the matches provide an opportunity to build competitive momentum ahead of the tournament on home soil while allowing McCarthy to assess his squad against meaningful opposition.

After the opening encounters with Eritrea and Guinea, Harambee Stars will face South Africa in November before completing their Group D schedule with the final fixtures in March 2027.

For McCarthy, the campaign represents an important stage in shaping the team he wants to take into the 2027 tournament. The competitive matches will give him an opportunity to test his preferred players, combinations and tactical approach as he continues building his Harambee Stars side.