Benni McCarthy has finalized his 25-man Harambee Stars squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon, leaving out 24 players from the initial provisional squad.
Among the dropped players is Australian-born midfielder William Lenkupae, whose inclusion in the provisional squad had sparked excitement among fans and analysts. The decision to exclude him from the final list raised eyebrows, given his experience with Australia’s Central Coast Mariners and the fresh perspective he could have brought to the midfield.
One of the most notable omissions is Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo, a standout performer in the FKF Premier League this season. Known for his ability to control the tempo, create chances, and dictate play, Odhiambo was widely expected to make the cut. However, McCarthy opted for other midfield options, leaving many surprised by the decision.
Defensive changes have also been significant, with McCarthy dropping Gor Mahia’s Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino, both of whom played vital roles in the club’s strong domestic campaign. Additionally, Daniel Sakari from Kenya Police FC and Siraj Mohamed from Bandari FC were left out, indicating a new defensive strategy for the qualifiers.
In the goalkeeping department, Tusker FC’s Brian Opondo was omitted, suggesting that McCarthy has identified alternative options between the posts for the crucial matches.
Upfront, the squad has undergone significant reshuffling, with several attacking players missing out. Tusker FC’s Eric Balecho, KCB FC’s James Kinyanjui, and Kenya Police FC’s Alvin Mang’eni are among those who did not make the final list. This suggests that McCarthy has placed his trust in different forwards to deliver in these must-win games.
Kenya will first face Gambia on March 20, 2025, at Stade Allasane Ouattara in Ivory Coast. The Scorpions, known for their resilience in past qualifiers and their squad comprising European-based players, will pose a tough challenge. Additionally, playing in a neutral venue in Ivory Coast adds an extra layer of difficulty, requiring the Stars to remain tactically disciplined to secure a positive result.
Following the Gambia match, Kenya will return home to face Gabon at Nyayo Stadium on March 23, 2025. The home fixture will be crucial, as the pressure to perform in front of local supporters will be immense. A strong performance will be vital to keep hopes alive for World Cup qualification.
The full list of players who were dropped from McCarthy’s final Harambee Stars squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Brian Opondo (Tusker FC)
Defenders:
- Levis Esambe (AFC Leopards SC)
- Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC)
- Siraj Mohamed (Bandari FC)
- Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia)
- Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia)
Midfielders:
- William Lenkupae (Central Coast Mariners)
- Mathias Isogoli (Mara Sugar FC)
- Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia)
- Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia)
- Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
- Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards SC)
- Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks)
- Musa Katibi (Kenya Police FC)
- Apollo Otieno (Dodoma Jiji)
- Eric Johanna (UTA Arad)
Forwards:
- Eric Balecho (Tusker FC)
- Alvin Mang’eni (Kenya Police FC)
- Mathew Tegisi (Pamba Jiji)
- Edward Omondi (Sofapaka FC)
- James Kinyanjui (KCB FC)
- Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz)
- Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC)
With McCarthy making bold decisions in his final selection, all eyes will be on the Harambee Stars to see if his chosen squad can rise to the occasion and deliver results in these crucial World Cup qualifiers.
