Kenya’s Emerging Stars are gearing up for another major test on their road to the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, with head coach Anthony Kimani naming a provisional squad for the two-legged second-round qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire. The young Kenyans will host the Ivorians at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM EAT, before travelling to Abidjan for the return leg on Tuesday, November 17, at 10:00 PM EAT, according to FKF’s fixture announcement.
Kimani has assembled a sizeable group of players as Kenya looks to take another step towards continental qualification. Among the players named are Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wangaya, Kelly Madada, Humphrey Aroko, Brooklyn Kazungu, Lawrence Okoth and Dan Omalla. The Emerging Stars booked their place in the second round after edgin
g regional rivals Tanzania 5–4 on aggregate in a closely contested first-round encounter. Côte d’Ivoire now presents a tougher challenge, with Kenya hoping to make home advantage count before heading to West Africa for the decisive return fixture.
The stakes are high. Progression will take the Emerging Stars into the third and final qualifying round, bringing them one step closer to the 2027 U-23 AFCON finals in Egypt. Beyond continental glory, the tournament also carries added significance as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Kenyan football fans will be hoping the young side can rise to the occasion and keep the country’s Olympic football dream alive.
GoalKeepers
Caleb Kramer, Collins Omondi, Kevin Oduor, Bernard Jairo
Defenders
Ian Omondi, Joseph Bate, Jackson Imbiakha, Robinson Musungu, Collins Ochieng, Baron Ochieng, Price Musebe, Wyclliffe Awiko, Bilal Otieno, Telena Ochieng
Midfielders
Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wangaya, Kelly Madada, Andres Odhiambo, Irad Mshindi, Humphrey Aroko, Oliver Majaka, Zachary Nyakwara, Glen Githinji, Ateek Omar, Jack Steel, Mark Kithome.
Forwards
Brooklyn Kazungu, Lawrence Okoth, Paul Osama, Jeremy Bisau, Syphas Otieno, Stephen Omondi, Dan Omalla, Emmanuel Osoro, Collins Okello, Henry Omollo, Colin Akeno, Javan Ochieng, Hassan Beja
