Kenya’s U23 national team will begin its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign on Monday, September 28, 2026, when the Emerging Stars host Tanzania U23 at Nyayo National Stadium from 3pm EAT in Nairobi.
The first-round tie will be decided over two legs, with the return match scheduled for October 6 in Tanzania.
Head coach Anthony Kimani has named a final 27-man squad that blends players from the domestic league with young Kenyans based abroad.
The squad has three goalkeepers in Krammer Caleb (ADO Den Haag), Mateo Ochieng (Providence College) and Collins Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks).
In defence, Kimani has selected Ian Onyango (Mathare United), Collins Ochieng (Tusker), Francis Okoth (Kenya Police), Baron Ochieng (Unattached), Wyckliffe Omondi (Nairobi United), Joseph Bate (Nairobi United), Price Omenda (Murang’a Seal) and Telena Ochieng (Tusker).
The midfield department consists of Omar Ateek (Mathare United), Kevin Wangaya (Nairobi United), Madada Kelly (AFC Leopards), Oliver Machaka (Kenya Police), Andreas Odhiambo (Enkopings SK), Jack Onganya (Cadiz) and Irad Mshinji (Lejipa).
The attacking options are Dancan Oluoch (Nairobi United), Lawrence Okoth (Bandari), Syphas Owuor (Nairobi United), Collins Okello (Unattached), Jeremy Bisau (Huesca), Brooklyn Kazungu (MK Dons), Paul Osoma (Enkopings SK), Henry Omollo (Mufulira Wanderers) and Hassan Beja (Red Castle SC).
Speaking ahead of the opening leg, Kimani acknowledged the challenge Tanzania will present, describing the neighbouring country as a formidable opponent given the long-standing rivalry between the two nations.
“All the players are very ready. We know that we are playing a formidable opponent, a neighbour, a country that we have shared a lot of rivalry when it comes to football. So everybody is ready and we are looking forward to the challenge.”
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After Monday’s fixture, Kenya will travel to Tanzania for the return leg on October 6, with the aggregate winner advancing to the second round of qualification.
The first-round winner will then face Ivory Coast in the second round, with the overall objective of reaching the U23 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.
The tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualification corridor to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, with seven teams joining the hosts at the continental tournament.
For Kimani, the Olympic prospect is an important motivation as Kenya seeks to make progress through the qualification process.
“We are well aware that as a country we have never qualified for the Olympics and this is the pathway for us to at least make history. We know that if we go all the way to qualify for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations, then we will have an opportunity to probably qualify for the Olympics. That is definitely our end goal, and everybody is well aware of what is ahead of us.”
The Emerging Stars will therefore be aiming to secure an advantage in Nairobi before heading to Tanzania for the decisive second leg.
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