Kevin Wangaya has received his maiden senior national team call-up after an outstanding campaign in the Kenya Premier League with Nairobi United. His calmness on the ball, sharp vision and overall command of midfield have established him as one of the country’s standout performers.
Coach McCarthy’s decision to hand debuts to a trio of newcomers highlights a clear approach of recognising strong club performances, whether in the domestic league or overseas, and giving those players an early chance to prove themselves at international level.
Also included are Spanish-based teenagers Aldrine Kibet and Amos Wanjala, who arrive with valuable experience from elite European academies. Kibet, who finished as the top scorer at the 2023 CECAFA U18 Championship, links up with former Rising Stars captain Wanjala, currently developing at Valencia CF. Real Sociedad forward Job Ochieng joins them as part of an exciting new generation being integrated into the squad.
Kenya Open their Group D campaign at home against Eritrea on 26 September at Nyayo National Stadium, before travelling to West Africa to face Guinea on 1 October at the Stade du 28 September in Conakry.
While injecting youth, McCarthy has retained a solid base of experienced players. Captain Michael Olunga, now at Qatar’s Al-Arabi, is joined by Stade Reims defender Joseph Okumu and veteran left-back Abud Omar, who recently guided Tusker to FKF Super Cup success.
Among local clubs, record champions Gor Mahia supply the largest contingent with six players: goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, defenders Michael Kibwage, Paul Ochuoga and Frank Odhiambo, plus forwards Sharif Musa and Ben Stanley.
Although Kenya have already secured automatic qualification for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts with Uganda and Tanzania, McCarthy views the upcoming Group D matches as vital competitive opportunities to shape a side capable of challenging for the title on home soil.
Full provisional squad:
Goalkeepers
Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Caleb Kramer
Defenders
Manzur Okwaro, Stanley Wilson, Abud Omar, Joseph Okumu, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Daniel Ayembe, Deon Woodman, Michael Kibwage, Rooney Onyango, Paul Ochuoga, Hannif Wesonga
Midfielders
Zak Vyner, Timothy Ouma, Kevin Wangaya, Chris Erambo, Duke Abuya, Marvin Nambwire, Austin Odhiambo, Zech Obiero, William Lenkupae, Aldrine Kibet
Attackers
Mohammed Bajaber, Sharif Musa, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Javan Ochieng, Louis Millard, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth
