Young Africans (Yanga) midfielder Duke Abuya has been left out of Kenya’s provisional national team squad, Harambee Stars, announced by head coach Benni McCarthy ahead of preparations for two matches against South Africa in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. His absence is linked to an injury he sustained during the Kariakoo Derby between Yanga and Simba.
Abuya picked up the injury during the fiercely contested encounter, in which Yanga and Simba battled for points and bragging rights in one of Tanzanian football’s biggest rivalries. The setback comes at a time when the midfielder was working to maintain his place in the Harambee Stars squad, ruling him out of an opportunity to represent his country in the upcoming high-stakes fixtures.
In the provisional squad, McCarthy has included some of Kenya’s key players, including striker Michael Olunga and defender Joseph Okumu. The coach is continuing to prepare his team for the two encounters against South Africa as Kenya seeks results that will strengthen its chances of qualifying for AFCON 2027.
For Yanga, Abuya’s absence from international duty could give him time to continue his treatment and regain full fitness. However, his return to action will depend on medical assessments and his recovery progress, particularly with a busy competition schedule ahead for the club.
