McCarthy prepares to face South Africa.. 36 players in Kenya's squad and a special showdown with Mosimane

13.11.26 11:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

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Kenya

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Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has announced a 36 man provisional squad for November's Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against South Africa, setting up a highly anticipated coaching battle with Pitso Mosimane.

The former Manchester United forwards coach will face his home country for the first time since taking charge of the Harambee Stars, with the two nations scheduled to meet on 13 and 17 November.

According to the Football Kenya Federation's official announcement, McCarthy has combined established internationals with emerging talents ahead of the crucial double header.

Read Also: Every two years or three years? The new CAF calendar raises questions about the future of the Africa Cup of Nations

Michael Olunga returns as McCarthy selects 36 players

The most notable inclusion is captain Michael Olunga who returns after missing Kenya's previous international fixtures while recovering from injury.

The experienced striker is joined by promising youngsters Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wangaya and Job Ochieng as McCarthy seeks to strengthen his attacking options.

The provisional squad contains five goalkeepers, 13 defenders, seven midfielders and 11 forwards.

Kenya's 36 man provisional squad:

• Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Caleb Kramer
  
• Defenders: Vincent Harper, Stanley Wilson, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Deon Woodman, Daniel Ayembe, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibagwe, Rooney Onyango, Hannif Wesonga
  
• Midfielders: Manzur Okwaro, Henry Ochieng, Chris Erambo, Marvin Nabwire, Zak Vyner, Alwyn Tera, Alpha Onyango
  
• Forwards: Aldrine Kibet, Will Lenkupae, Kevin Wangaya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth

The list will be reduced before the squad assembles for the November fixtures.

McCarthy vs Mosimane: An emotional South African coaching duel

The upcoming encounters carry particular significance for McCarthy, South Africa's all time leading international goalscorer with 31 goals.

The former Porto and Blackburn Rovers striker will attempt to defeat the country he represented throughout his international playing career.

His opponent will be Pitso Mosimane who returned to manage Bafana Bafana in September following Hugo Broos' departure.

Interestingly, McCarthy was also linked with the South African national team position before Mosimane's appointment.

However, the Kenya coach previously dismissed suggestions of tension between the two men.

Speaking in an interview with Dollar TV, as reported by Foot Africa (https://foot-africa.com/en/news/benni-mccarthy-clears-the-air-on-pitso-mosimane-relationship-1364279/), McCarthy emphasised their longstanding relationship.

"There's a mutual respect, he's my senior" McCarthy explained.

He also made clear that his professional commitment belongs entirely to Kenya despite his personal connections with South Africa.

The November matches will therefore represent an intriguing tactical confrontation between two prominent South African coaches working on opposite sides.

South Africa lead Group D as Kenya seek their first qualifying victory

The two countries enter the November double header in contrasting circumstances.

South Africa lead Group D with six points after winning their opening two matches under Mosimane.

Bafana Bafana defeated Guinea 2-1 in Johannesburg before recording a convincing 5-0 victory over Eritrea.

Kenya, meanwhile, have collected just one point from their opening two fixtures.

McCarthy's team began with a 1-1 home draw against Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat away to Guinea.

As Foot Africa reported following the defeat in Conakry, Serhou Guirassy scored the decisive goal for the hosts.

However, Kenya's qualification situation is different from that of their opponents.

The Harambee Stars have already secured their place at AFCON 2027 as co hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda.

Consequently, their remaining qualifiers provide McCarthy with valuable competitive preparation rather than a battle for a place at the tournament.

For South Africa, the fixtures remain important in strengthening their position at the top of Group D.

When will South Africa & Kenya meet?

The first encounter will take place on Friday 13 November, at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg, with kick off scheduled for 18:00 South African time.

Four days later, Kenya will host the return fixture at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday 17 November at 19:00 East African Time.

The venues and arrangements were previously confirmed in Foot Africa's coverage of the November qualifiers.

With Olunga returning to lead Kenya's attack and Mosimane seeking to maintain South Africa's perfect qualifying record, the double header promises an important examination for both teams.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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