5 new foreign-based players included in Harambee Stars' squad for June friendlies
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 18.05.26. | 21:03
The inclusions shows the technical bench’s continued efforts to widen the national team pool ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFC ON) qualifiers, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has handed five foreign-based players their maiden senior national team call-ups after naming a 24-man squad for the upcoming June international friendlies against Palestine and Kyrgyzstan.
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The new faces in the travelling squad are defender Deon Woodman of English non-league side Wealdstone FC, Hull City winger Sammy Hena-Kamau, Wealdstone forward Micah Obiero, Stoke City defender Sydney Agina and ADO Den Haag goalkeeper Caleb Kramer.
The inclusions show the technical bench’s continued efforts to widen the national team pool ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya will face Palestine on Wednesday, 3 June, before taking on hosts Kyrgyzstan on Saturday, 6 June, during the FIFA international window.
Among the fresh faces, Obiero arrives with one of the most established profiles.
The 24-year-old striker, born in Redbridge, England, currently turns out for Wealdstone and has enjoyed a steady rise through English football.
Obiero previously spent time at Huddersfield Town, Carlisle United, FC Halifax Town and Boston United before joining Wealdstone in 2022.
He has since become an important figure for the club and featured regularly during the recently concluded campaign, continuing to build his reputation as a hardworking forward capable of operating across the front line.
Obiero also comes from a football family. He is the son of former Kenyan footballer Henry Obiero, while his brother Zech Obiero is already part of the Harambee Stars setup.
Hull City winger Hena-Kamau is another highly-rated prospect handed an opportunity at the senior level after progressing through the youth ranks in England.
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The exciting attacker recently linked up with Hull City’s Under-21 side after developing within Swansea City’s academy structure, where he was viewed as one of the promising wide players in his age category.
The squad also includes defender Agina, who has been sharpening his game within Stoke City’s development setup.
The young defender is regarded as a versatile option capable of operating both centrally and in wide defensive roles.
Goalkeeper Kramer earns his first senior national team call-up after his steady progress in the Netherlands with ADO Den Haag, where he has been developing within the club’s structures.
Meanwhile, defender Woodman adds further defensive depth to the side after impressing with Wealdstone in England.
The June friendlies are expected to offer McCarthy another opportunity to assess new combinations and expand competition for places as preparations for AFCON 2027 continue gathering momentum.
Final Harambee Stars squad
Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Caleb Kramer
Defenders: Erick Ouma, Stanley Wilson, Sylvester Owino, Frank Odhiambo, Alphonce Omija, Deon Woodman, Rooney Onyango, Sydney Agina
Midfielders: Richard Odada, Chris Erambo, Clarke Oduor, Will Lenkupae, Austine Odhiambo, Zech Obiero
Attackers: Job Ochieng, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley, Sammy Hena-Kamau, Micah Obiero, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth