Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his final 24-man squad for the upcoming back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa, with in-form Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango among the notable omissions.
Onyango was included in the initial 36-man provisional squad announced on October 29 but has failed to survive the final selection despite an impressive start to the 2026/27 SportPesa League campaign.
The midfielder has been among the domestic competition’s standout performers, scoring in each of Gor Mahia’s opening three league matches against Murang’a SEAL, APS Bomet and Bandari. His contribution in the final third, coupled with his influence in midfield, had placed him among the players expected to feature in McCarthy’s plans.
However, the national team coach has opted for alternative midfield options, with Onyango missing out alongside several other players who featured in the provisional selection.
Other notable casualties include Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno, ADO Den Haag’s Caleb Kramer, defenders Daniel Anyembe, Deon Woodman and Joseph Okumu. Midfielders Marvin Nabwire and Chris Erambo have also been dropped, alongside forwards Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wangaya and Lawrence Okoth.
Another notable omission is defender Michael Kibwage, whose absence comes amid an ongoing disciplinary investigation at club level. He was placed on precautionary suspension following Gor Mahia’s CAF Champions League elimination against Egyptian side Pyramids FC. No finding of match-fixing or wrongdoing against the defender has been established.
Meanwhile, the final selection retains several players from the domestic league. Gor Mahia are represented by goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, defenders Frank Odhiambo and Sylvester Owino, and forward Ben Stanley.
Tusker have goalkeeper Brian Bwire and defender Abud Omar, while Nairobi United contribute goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo and forward Mohammed Bajaber. These local-based players will join an experienced group featuring captain Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam.
Kenya will first travel to Johannesburg for the November 13 encounter at Orlando Stadium before hosting Bafana Bafana at Nyayo National Stadium on November 17.
Although Kenya have already secured qualification for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the double-header offers McCarthy an opportunity to assess his squad against one of the continent’s established football nations.
FULL HARAMBEE STARS SQUAD.
