Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his final squad for Kenya’s last two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast with both fixtures set to be played away, closing out Kenya’s campaign.
The 25-man squad brings together seasoned players and rising talent. England-based defender Vincent Harper earns a call-up, while striker Lawrence Okoth steps in from the junior ranks after shining with Kenya’s U20s at the 2025 AFCON in Egypt, where he scored twice in the group stages.
The biggest headline is the return of Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo. His omission from earlier squads had stirred debate, especially after a strong CHAN showing where he netted two goals in the group phase but was left out of the crucial quarterfinal tie against Madagascar. McCarthy at the time explained it was for “tactical reasons.”
Odhiambo’s absence continued into the start of the World Cup qualifiers, with the South African tactician even asking journalists not to question him about the midfielder during training.
Kenya face Burundi on October 9 at Intwari Stadium (4pm EAT) before wrapping up against Ivory Coast on October 14 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium (10pm EAT).
The Harambee Stars currently sit 5th in their group with 9 points and will be aiming to close their qualification journey on a high.
The squad assembles in camp in early October, with the final traveling list to be confirmed after medical and fitness checks.
