Kenya kick off their AFCON qualification campaign on September 26 when they host Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium.

McCarthy Tasked With Ending Kenya’s AFCON Fortunes

Benni McCarthy will be expected to guide Kenya to next summer’s AFCON after his side have shown signs of promise since the former striker took the job in 2025.

Kenya haven’t reached the group stage of the continental tournament since 2019. Positives can be drawn from the nation’s performances this year, as they have avoided defeat in all four fixtures. They have shown excellent attacking strength, scoring nine in their matches over that period.

Michael Olunga will lead the line after scoring once in three appearances for his club side, and netting 32 goals in 64 at international level. Erick Otieno, Richard Odada, and Austin Obhiambo all missed out on selection.

Kenya predicted lineup vs Eritrea (4-3-3): B. Obhiambo; Omar, Onyango, Kibwage, Okwaro; Abuya, Ouma, Rambo; Ogam, Olunga, Omondi

Eritrea Expected to Struggle in AFCON Qualifying

Hesham Yakan’s Eritrea will be huge outsiders to reach AFCON for the first time in their independent history. The national team is currently ranked 184th in the FIFA rankings, but confidence can be gained after securing their spot in this qualifying round after beating Eswatini 4-1 on aggregate in March.

However, those victories are the only two wins that Eritrea have recorded in five fixtures. Ali Sulieman will be a key player in the final third, having scored six times in eleven international appearances.

Oliver Hintsa has enjoyed a reliable start to the season with three goal involvements in six appearances for Dinamo 1948. Kibrom Solomon and Aethan Yohannes have missed out on selection.

Eritrea predicted lineup vs Kenya (3-4-3): Sultan; Idris, Ali, Fors; Asmelash, Teklezghi, Netabay, Yilma; Hintsa, Sulieman

Kenya vs Eritrea Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Kenya
  • Odds: 1.38 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 2UPB4
  • Correct score prediction: Kenya 2-0 Eritrea

Key stats:

  • Kenya are unbeaten in four matches in 2026.
  • Eritrea have failed to win in three of their previous five.
  • Kenya are unbeaten in eight of their last 12 head-to-heads against Eritrea.

It is hard to oppose the home team this Saturday, as Kenya have shown reliable form in 2026 after going unbeaten in four matches. They have thrived offensively, with eight goals scored in their previous three.

Kenya also boast a healthy head-to-head advantage over Eritrea, having avoided defeat in eight of the 12 clashes. Eritrea have also failed to win in three of their last five, and they have not come up against a nation ranked as high as Kenya since defecting from qualifying competitions in 2020.

Kenya vs Eritrea Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Under 2.5 Goals
  • Odds: 1.75 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: QATB4

Expect a low-scoring clash on Saturday. Eritrea may have scored four in recent matches against Eswatini (165), but Kenya are considerably higher ranked than that nation (109).

Eritrea have failed to score in four of their previous six internationals. Meanwhile, under 2.5 goals has been a winning selection in three of Kenya’s last six fixtures.

Verdict: Kenya (1.38) — Kenya 2-0 Eritrea