Michael Olunga is set to make his long-awaited return to the Harambee Stars setup after coach Benni McCarthy included the captain in a 38-man provisional squad for Kenya’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Olunga has not featured for the national team since September 2025 after being ruled out for several months with a pelvic injury. The striker has since regained his fitness and returned to club football with Qatar-based Al-Arabi, paving the way for his return to international duty.
McCarthy named the provisional squad on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, as Kenya prepares to begin its Group D campaign against Eritrea and Guinea. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed the selection on the same day.
The squad is made up of five goalkeepers, 12 defenders, 10 midfielders and 11 attackers, giving McCarthy a wide pool of players from which to select his final team for the two matches.
Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire and Caleb Kramer have been selected among the goalkeeping options.
The defensive line includes Manzur Okwaro, Stanley Wilson, Abud Omar, Joseph Okumu, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Daniel Ayembe, Deon Woodman, Michael Kibagwe, Rooney Onyango, Paul Ochuoga and Hannif Wesonga.
In midfield, McCarthy has picked Zak Vyner, Timothy Ouma, Kevin Wangaya, Chris Erambo, Duke Abuya, Marvin Nabwire, Austin Odhiambo, Zech Obiero, Will Lenkupae and Aldrine Kibet.
The attacking group features Mohammed Bajaber, Sharif Musa, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Javan Ochieng, Louis Millard, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero and Lawrence Okoth.
Olunga's inclusion is one of the major talking points from the squad, with the captain bringing experience back into an attack that will be expected to lead Kenya's push in the qualifiers.
Earlier international records credited the Al-Arabi striker with 21 goals in 48 appearances for Kenya, while more recent statistical databases continue to place him among the country's leading scorers.
Vice-captain Joseph Okumu has also returned after an injury lay-off, strengthening the defensive options available to McCarthy. He will be joined in the backline by foreign-based players including Deon Woodman and Caleb Kramer.
The provisional squad also gives McCarthy an opportunity to assess several younger players, with Kevin Wangaya, Louis Millard and Javan Ochieng earning maiden senior call-ups.
Wangaya's selection comes after an impressive showing at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named in the CAF Technical Study Group's Best XI for the group stage. He scored once and provided an assist in three group matches.
Kenya will open its qualifying campaign against Eritrea on Saturday, September 26, at Nyayo Stadium. The Harambee Stars will then travel to Conakry for their second Group D match against Guinea on October 1 at Stade du 28 Septembre.
South Africa completes Group D, leaving Kenya with three opponents to face during the qualifying programme. The opening two matchdays are scheduled within the September-October international window.
Despite taking part in the qualification campaign, Kenya already has a place at the 2027 AFCON finals because it will co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The three host countries will still participate in the qualifiers, although their places at the finals are guaranteed, according to CAF.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with 24 teams expected to compete. The tournament will make history as the first AFCON edition to be jointly hosted by three countries.