Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled his 23-man squad ahead of Kenya’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier double-header against The Gambia and Seychelles. The matches will be staged at Nairobi’s MISC Kasarani Stadium on the 5th and 9th of September respectively.
The announcement, made on Wednesday morning, sparked immediate debate with the shock omission of 2023/24 MVP & Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo. The playmaker was one of the standout performers at the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament, and his absence from the squad has raised eyebrows. While no official explanation has been given, speculation is rife that the decision could be due to tactical preferences, the influx of foreign-based players, or possible disciplinary issues—rumours that have fueled online debate in recent hours.
Also missing from the squad is dependable left-back Erick Ouma ‘Marcelo’, who has been ruled out with injury. The Raków Częstochowa defender confirmed the setback through his official Facebook page, revealing he had suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during club training.
“Dear fans, unfortunately yesterday during our training I got injured and the test revealed that I ruptured my Achilles tendon. I would have wished to play for my club and Kenya during the upcoming games, but unfortunately, it is beyond my control. I will do everything to come back stronger than ever. God bless you all,” wrote Ouma.
Despite the notable absences, McCarthy has kept faith in the home-based talents that represented Kenya at CHAN 2024. Thirteen players from that squad have been retained, while twelve others have been dropped to make room for ten foreign-based players.
Among those dropped are Gor Mahia trio Austin Odhiambo, Siraj Mohammed, and Felix Oluoch, alongside Shabana’s Austin Odongo and Brian Michira. Others axed include Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police), Kevin Okumu (KCB), Crispine Erambo (Tusker FC), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), David Sakwa (Bandari), and Masoud Juma (Migori Youth).
Nonetheless, Gor Mahia remains the most represented club in the national team, with seven players : Bryne Omondi – Goalkeeper, Defenders ; Silvester Owino, Alphonse Omija , Lewis Bandi and Michael Kibwage, Midfield duo Ben Stanley Omondi and Alpha Onyango making the final squad, underlining the club’s continued domestic dominance.
A noteworthy inclusion is that of Real Sociedad B forward Job Ochieng, who earns his first national team call-up. The young forward, who plies his trade in Spain’s Segunda División B, has been closely monitored by the national team’s technical staff and now gets his big break in McCarthy’s plans.
Kenya will be seeking to build momentum and improve FIFA ranking points in Group F of the CAF World Cup Qualifiers, where they are pooled alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon, Burundi, The Gambia, and Seychelles. They currently lie a distant fourth with only 6 points; 10 adrift of the group leaders. The 2026 tournament is jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Full squad for World Cup qualifiers.
