NAIROBI, Kenya – St. Bonaventure senior midfielder Jack Steel has been selected by the U-23 Kenyan National Team ahead of the team's two-legged Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Cote d'Ivoire.

"We are all beyond proud of Jack with receiving his call up to the U-23 National Team," Bonnies head coach Mick Giordano said. "This has been a goal of his dating back to Jack's freshman year and a work in progress since then with his development plans."

Kenya will host the first leg Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi before traveling to Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire for the second fixture Tuesday, Nov. 17.

The winner between the two sides advances to the third and final qualifying round with a place at the 2027 U-23 AFCON at stake. The tournament also serves as the qualifying competition for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Steel started all 15 games he was active for in his lone season with the Bonnies. He tallied three points on a goal and assist while netting the game-winning goal in the season opener at Niagara.

"His own hard work, dedication, and sacrifices paved the way for this moment to arrive," Giordano added. "It's an amazing opportunity with the hope of helping Kenya qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. I am extremely proud of Jack for this achievement. It's another positive step in his career that shows the work in the unseen hours does pay off. Our staff and Jack's teammates will all be supporting him from afar!"

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