Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has dropped majority of his foreign legion in his final squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Eritrea and Guinea.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsIn a now-trimmed 24-man squad, the South African tactician has slashed 11 foreign-based players from his provisional side, while adding a new name in Exeter defender Vincent Harper.Among some high-profile names axed from the team include: vice-captain Joseph Okumu, goalkeeper Ian Otieno, Wrexham defender Zak Vyner, Celta Vigo’s Aldrine Kibet, and one of the surprise names in McCarthy’s provisional squad, Louis Millard.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962311##In a blow to the national team, McCarthy will also have to do without the services of Daniel Anyembe, Zech Obiero and Deon Woodman, who have all had their seasons abroad curtailed by injury.Other foreign-based players missing from the final squad are: goalkeeper Caleb Kramer, who has been included in Kenya's provisional squad for the upcoming U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, midfielder William Lenkupae, and striker Adam Wilson, who is yet to play a game this season for Welsh club The New Saints.Harambee Stars forward bags goal on first start for English sideFormer Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo, on the other hand, misses the team as he is still unattached, joining the trio of local-based players Paul Ochuoga, Kevin Wangaya and Lawrence Okoth, who have all, also been dropped.Kenya, despite being a co-host of next year's AFCON, will play the tournament's qualifiers, all in a bid to keep the side competitive throughout the international football calendar dates.Mozzart Bet Cup MVP Simiyu sets new target after making CAF debutHarambee Stars have been placed in Group D, alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea.Kenya will begin their qualifying campaign against Eritrea on Saturday, 26 September at Nyayo National Stadium, before making the trip to Conakry for the encounter with Guinea at Stade du 28 Septembre on Thursday, 1 October.Gillingham coach provides worrying injury update on Harambee Stars midfielderFINAL HARAMBEE STARS SQUAD:GoalKeepersByrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire.DefendersStanley Wilson, Abud Omar, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Michael Kibagwe, Rooney Onyango, Hannif Wesonga, Vincent HarperMidfieldersManzur Okwaro, Timothy Ouma, Chris Erambo, Duke Abuya, Marvin NabwireAttackersMohammed Bajaber, Sharif Musa, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Javan Ochieng, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero