Marcelo and Olunga are back for Harambee Stars

Kenya's path to the 2027 tournament runs through these two fixtures against South Africa, and McCarthy clearly isn't taking any chances up top. Bringing back Marcelo and Olunga, two players who've worn the captain's armband and delivered when Harambee Stars have needed goals most, tells you exactly where the coach's head is at: experience over experiment, with qualification points on the line.

McCarthy took charge of Harambee Stars with a brief to modernise the squad and build a more competitive national team, and recalls like this one suggest he's not interested in burning bridges with proven performers just to make a statement. Olunga in particular has a track record of being Kenya's most reliable finisher in continental qualifiers, and Marcelo's experience in midfield or wide areas gives the side a different kind of control against a South Africa team that will fancy its own chances.

Why the double-header matters

Afcon qualifiers are unforgiving. Two games against a direct rival like South Africa can swing a qualifying group in either direction, and Kenya will know that points dropped here are hard to claw back later in the campaign. McCarthy's selection reads like a coach who wants cohesion and know-how on the pitch from minute one, rather than using the fixtures to blood new faces.

The exact dates and venues for the two matches haven't been confirmed in the reporting so far, but the stakes are clear enough regardless of the fine print: this is as big a week as Harambee Stars have had under McCarthy since he took the job.

Marcelo and Olunga's return

McCarthy is betting that familiarity and composure matter more right now than squad rotation, especially with South Africa standing between Kenya and a stronger foothold in the group.

Fans will be watching closely to see how the pair slot back into the side and whether their return gives Harambee Stars the attacking edge McCarthy is clearly banking on.