Michael Olunga Leads Harambee Stars Forward Options For South Africa Qualifiers

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named Michael Olunga, Job Ochieng and Aldrine Kibet among the forwards in a 36-man provisional squad for Kenya’s November 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa.

The three players represent different stages of their football careers, with experienced international Olunga joined by younger attacking options as McCarthy assesses his choices for the upcoming double-header.

Olunga, who plays for Al Arabi, is among the most established names in the attacking department.

He will be joined on the provisional list by Ochieng, who represents Spanish club Real Sociedad, and Kibet of Celta Vigo.

Ryan Ogam, who plays for RFC Liège, is another overseas-based forward included in the selection.

The attacking options also feature Adam Wilson of The New Saints, Will Lenkupae of Tulsa, Ben Stanley of Gor Mahia, Mohammed Bajaber of Nairobi United, Kevin Wangaya and Micah Obiero.

The depth of the forward selection gives McCarthy several players to consider as Kenya prepare to face South Africa twice within a week.

Elsewhere, the provisional squad includes several experienced internationals and emerging players in midfield and defence.

Joseph Okumu of Stade de Reims returns after recovering from a long-term injury, while Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno has also been recalled.

Kenya’s first meeting with South Africa will take place in Johannesburg on Wednesday, November 11.

The return fixture is scheduled for Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, November 17.

The matches will be particularly significant for McCarthy, who will face his native country for the first time since becoming Harambee Stars head coach.

Kenya are also building towards the 2027 AFCON, which they will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

The November fixtures offer the technical bench an opportunity to assess its attacking combinations against South Africa.

The 36-man selection is provisional, and the final squad is yet to be confirmed.

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