Baron Ochieng Tells Benni McCarthy What to Expect After Harambee Stars Return

Harambee Stars defender Baron Ochieng has laid down an elaborate plan that will see him become a mainstay in coach Benni McCarthy’s squad.

Ochieng is among players who were handed a return to the national team for matches against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal this month and is looking to firm up his place in the team.

The Zamalek defender earned his first Harambee Stars call-up under former coach Engin Firat but did not play with his main stint at international level being during the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Now, having been given a chance by McCarthy, Ochieng is looking forward to becoming a key member of the team and form part of Kenya’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations squad.

“I thank God for this opportunity. It is a great chance for us young players,” Ochieng told SportPesa Blog.

“It is every player’s dream to represent the national team and being called up once again means I can keep my hopes high toward AFCON 2027. My focus is on representing the country in 2027, which will be a big tournament, so I’m really happy to be included in the current squad.”

Despite missing the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024), Ochieng, who had an impressive 2024-25 season with Sofapaka, before his move to Zamalek in September, has no hard feelings.

“The decision is always on the coaches, and I believed my time would come,” he added.

“Now that I have received the call-up, maybe at that time the coaches saw something in others that I did not have then. I didn’t feel bad about it because, at the end of the day, we’re all representing the country. The team was doing well and I was genuinely happy about that.”

Kenya face Equatorial Guinea on November 14 before a meeting with Senegal four days later and the 19-year-old defender will hope to play a part in either or both games.