Scottish-based Harambee Stars forward on work needed to make Kenya's squad for 2027 AFCON
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 29.01.26. | 19:41
His first call-up came in 2018 after transferring from Dorchester Town to Brighton & Hove Albion, but he had to wait almost eight years to make his international debut
Scottish-based Harambee Stars striker Jonah Ayunga has expressed his excitement at the prospect of representing Kenya at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the tournament as a potential highlight of his career.
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The 2027 edition will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, giving the three nations automatic entry into Africa’s premier football competition.
Kenya missed out on the 2025 tournament in Morocco, where Senegal lifted the trophy amid controversial scenes, but Ayunga is already looking ahead to the next edition with optimism.
The three host nations gained experience in staging major competitions when they successfully organised the 2024 African Nations Championship, which CAF described as a model precursor for the continent’s flagship event.
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Born in England to a Kenyan father and an English mother, Ayunga has earned nine caps for the Harambee Stars and is eager to represent his country again.
“Yeah, I think we’ll start preparations this year leading into next,” he told Bridport News. “It would definitely be a career highlight to be out there playing in that.”
The 28-year-old striker is aware that securing a spot in the squad will require consistent performances at club level.
“I need to make sure I am doing well enough at club level to get selected and take my chances when I am out there,” he said.
Ayunga began his career at Bridport YFC before moving on to Dorchester Town and Poole Town. He currently plays in Scotland for St Mirren, where he recently lifted the Scottish League Cup.
His path to the national team was delayed by several setbacks, including passport issues and cancelled camps.
The Brighton and Hove Albion academy graduate's first call-up came in 2018 after transferring from Dorchester Town to Brighton & Hove Albion, but he had to wait almost eight years to make his international debut.
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“It was amazing. I went out when I was a bit younger at Brighton, and then as I moved around different clubs, it went quiet on that front. But since being at St Mirren and doing well, I’ve managed to get back into the team, and it’s been incredible.
I feel like I am part of the squad now, and we will be at AFCON 2027. I want to make sure I am still in contention, and it would be amazing to go there.”
