Kenya face Eritrea after disrupted qualifier preparations

Kenya will face Eritrea in Nairobi on Saturday after a player boycott over unpaid allowances disrupted the co-hosts’ preparations for their opening AFCON 2027 Group D qualifier.

The Harambee Stars declined to train earlier in the week and held their first collective session only on Friday, according to Kenyan reporting. Coach Benni McCarthy backed the players’ welfare concerns as they sought payment of outstanding allowances.

Eritrea have trained in Nairobi since 21 September, with the Eritrean National Football Federation reporting strong morale in the Red Sea Camels camp. The match kicks off at Nyayo National Stadium at 4 p.m. East Africa Time. Kenya are already qualified as co-hosts, leaving Eritrea to compete with South Africa and Guinea for Group D’s remaining place.