Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles.
Notably missing from the 27-man list is Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo, who was one of Kenya’s standout performers at the recent CHAN tournament, finishing as joint-top scorer with two goals.
Also left out is experienced left back Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, a consistent figure in the national team setup.
Among the fresh call-ups is Real Sociedad B forward Job Ochieng, who earns his first senior national team selection.
The youngster is one of several foreign-based players drafted in as McCarthy blends youth with experience in a bid to revive Kenya’s qualifying hopes.
Thirteen players from the CHAN squad have been retained, offering much-needed continuity and cohesion as the team prepares for two crucial home fixtures.
Kenya will host The Gambia on Friday, September 5, followed by a clash against Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9. Both matches are scheduled for 4:00 pm kick-off at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The qualifiers have entered a decisive phase. Only the top team in each group earns an automatic ticket to the World Cup, while the four best runners-up will battle it out in a play-off for a spot in FIFA’s intercontinental play-off tournament.
Kenya currently sits fourth in their group with six points trailing Ivory Coast (16), Gabon (15), and Burundi (10). Maximum points from these home games will be critical to keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Harambee Stars Final Squad
Goalkeepers:
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire
Defenders:
Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Lewis Bandi
Midfielders:
Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Manzur Suleiman, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Wingers:
Emmanuel Osoro, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
Strikers:
Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam
