Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo/FILEExperienced goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo has urged Harambee Stars to use their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign as a crucial preparation phase for next year’s continental showpiece.
Kenya are already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, but Shikalo believes the Group D matches against Eritrea, Guinea and South Africa will provide valuable competitive tests ahead of the finals.
“The intensity in camp is very high because every player understands what AFCON 2027 means for the country,” Shikalo said. The Stars opened their campaign against Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium before travelling to Conakry to face Guinea on October 1.
The remaining group matches will be played during the November and March FIFA windows. Shikalo said the qualifiers would give coach Benni McCarthy sufficient time to settle on his preferred system while assessing his options.
“We are working on tactical systems, improving defensive organisation and strengthening communication on the pitch,” he said.
The 29-year-old believes the tactical work will be particularly important as McCarthy blends experienced internationals with emerging talent from the domestic league and overseas. “Preparation is extremely important if you want to compete with the best teams in Africa,” Shikalo said.
He also pointed to Kenya’s recent CHAN campaign as an important learning experience, saying the tournament gave several local players valuable exposure to international football.
“The CHAN experience helped many local players grow mentally and tactically. “It allowed us to test different playing styles and improve understanding within the team,” he said.
Competition for places has also intensified under McCarthy, with Shikalo joined by Byrne Omondi and Brian Bwire among the three goalkeepers selected for the opening qualifiers.
The former Harambee Stars CHAN goalkeeper said senior players have a duty to help the young members of the squad cope with the demands and expectations that will come with hosting a major tournament.
“There is a good balance between experienced players and young talent in camp,” Shikalo said. “As senior players, our responsibility is to help the younger boys remain calm and focused.”
Shikalo believes every international window between now and the finals should be used to strengthen the squad, address weaknesses and establish a clear playing identity. “Hosting a major tournament comes with pressure and mental preparation will be very important,” he said.
With Kenya set to welcome the continent’s leading teams to East Africa next year, Shikalo wants the Stars to arrive at the finals with a settled squad, strong tactical understanding and the confidence to handle the pressure of playing on home soil.
