Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Saturday as they host Eritrea at the Nyayo National Stadium.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsKenya enter the qualifiers looking to build momentum and establish a clear competitive identity ahead of hosting AFCON 2027, with recent performances showing strong attacking promise after going unbeaten across four fixtures in 2026.##NAJAVA_MECA_9984752##However, preparations for the home side have been hit by off-pitch distractions, with players declining to train earlier in the week over unpaid allowances.Meanwhile, Hesham Yakan’s Eritrea arrive full of confidence after securing back-to-back victories against Eswatini in the preliminary round, though the Red Sea Camels face a significantly steeper challenge against a higher-ranked Kenyan side.Kick-off: 4:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Saturday 26 SeptemberVenue: Nyayo National Stadium, NairobiGroup: Group D (AFCON 2027 Qualifiers)Current standings: 0 points (Gameweek 1)Benni McCarthy on why there will be no mercy when Kenya face South AfricaQualification implications: The top team in Group D secures qualification for AFCON 2027 alongside automatic qualifiers and co-hosts Kenya.Form GuideKenya✅ Win vs Lesotho (4-0)➖ Draw vs Lesotho (1-1)✅ Win vs Grenada (3-0)➖ Draw vs Estonia (1-1)❌ Loss vs Senegal (0-8)Eritrea✅ Win vs Eswatini (2-1)✅ Win vs Eswatini (2-0)❌ Loss vs Niger (0-1)➖ Draw vs Niger (0-0)❌ Loss vs Ethiopia (0-3)##NAJAVA_MECA_9984853##Head-to-Head (Last Meetings)Kenya 1-4 Eritrea (17 Dec 2019 – CECAFA Cup)Eritrea 0-0 Kenya (16 Jun 2007 – AFCON Qualifier)Kenya 1-2 Eritrea (02 Sep 2006 – AFCON Qualifier)Team NewsKenya❌ Erick Otieno, Richard Odada, Austin Odhiambo – Missed out on selection.Eritrea🟢 Ali Sulieman, Oliver Hintsa – Available and expected to start in attack.❌ Kibrom Solomon, Aethan Yohannes – Missed out on selection.McCarthy defends inclusion of suspended Gor Mahia duo in Harambee StarsPlayer to Watch: Job Ochieng (Kenya)Job Ochieng enters the international break in flying form following an impressive start to the 2026/2027 LaLiga season with Real Sociedad. Operating primarily as a left winger, the attacker has already racked up four goal contributions – scoring once and providing three assists – in just four league appearances.His combination of direct play, chance creation, and defensive work rate on the flank has made him an immediate standout in Spain.Carrying that high-level momentum into the national setup, Ochieng's flair and sharp decision-making in the final third give Kenya a potent wide threat.If he can replicate his recent club form, his ability to beat defenders and deliver decisive passes will be pivotal in stretching Eritrea’s defensive line and creating scoring opportunities for the Harambee Stars.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)Kenya to Win🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Both Teams to Score – Yes🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)Kenya to Win 2-0Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.