Harambee Stars Face Camp Disruptions Ahead of Eritrea AFCON Qualifier
By KASS MTV USA Sports Desk | Nairobi, Kenya
Harambee Stars are facing a turbulent build-up to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, with unpaid allowances, travel concerns and administrative issues overshadowing preparations for Saturday’s match against Eritrea.
Kenya will face Eritrea in their Group D opener on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EAT at Nyayo National Stadium.
Players Protest Unpaid Allowances
The squad reportedly refused to train earlier this week over KSh80,000 in outstanding allowances per player linked to previous international matches against Senegal and Lesotho.
Players have also raised concerns over accommodation and travel arrangements, including lengthy flights and layovers during previous assignments.
The situation prompted calls for intervention from senior government and sports officials as the team prepared for the Eritrea match.
McCarthy Frustrated by Work Permit Delays
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has also expressed frustration over administrative challenges affecting his technical staff.
McCarthy said he and members of his foreign technical team have operated without Kenyan work permits for an extended period, limiting their ability to remain in the country between international windows and monitor players locally.
“I didn’t come here for a holiday. I’m not a tourist,” McCarthy said, calling for the administrative issues to be resolved.
The coach has also linked the wider administrative problems to difficulties attracting some Kenyan players based in Europe to the national team.
Olunga to Miss Eritrea Match
Kenya will also be without captain and star striker Michael Olunga for the opening qualifier.
Olunga recently returned to action for Al Duhail following a five-month absence caused by a pelvic injury. After his latest club appearance, he reportedly experienced stiffness and a leg strain, prompting McCarthy to leave him out as a precaution.
His absence leaves Kenya without one of its most experienced attacking players as the team begins its Group D campaign.
Eritrea Arrive in Nairobi
Eritrea’s national team, known as the Red Sea Camels, arrived in Nairobi earlier this week and have been preparing for the match at Police Sacco Grounds.
The encounter will be Kenya’s first Group D fixture, with South Africa and Guinea also in the group.
Although Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have already secured places at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, the qualifying matches remain important for competitive preparation and national pride.
Kenya will be hoping to put the off-field difficulties behind them when they take on Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium.
Kenya vs Eritrea
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Kick-off: 4:00 p.m. EAT
Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
