Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled his final squad for Kenya’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon. The traveling squad, announced Monday, includes only five locally based players as Kenya prepares for two pivotal fixtures later this month.
Among the notable inclusions is U20 defender Manzur Okwaro, who earns his maiden senior team call-up, marking a significant milestone in his career. Midfielder Ismael Gonzalez also returns to the squad after an extended absence. Meanwhile, Eric Johana Omondi, Daniel Francis Anyembe, and Richard Odada will join the team in Abidjan.
The local-based players include goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo, defender Ronny Onyango, and midfielders Ben Stanley Omondi and Mohammed Bajaber. However, the omission of several high-profile FKF Premier League players, including reigning league MVP Austin Odhiambo and Reims defender Joseph Okumu, has raised eyebrows. Okumu featured for his club just last night, but the reason for his exclusion remains unclear.
Expressing enthusiasm ahead of his first World Cup qualifiers as Kenya’s head coach, McCarthy emphasized confidence in his squad and the necessity of hard work.
“I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers. I’m eager to work with this talented squad and embrace the challenge ahead. There’s plenty of work to do, but we are prepared to fight as a team,” McCarthy stated.
Key Fixtures Ahead
Kenya will first face Gambia on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Stade Alassane Ouattara in Ivory Coast. The team will then return home to host Gabon on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium, with kickoff set for 4 PM.
Currently, Kenya sits fourth in the group standings with five points, following a commanding victory over Seychelles and draws against Ivory Coast and Burundi. Group leaders Ivory Coast lead with 10 points, positioning themselves strongly for qualification.
With only the group winners earning direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the stakes are high. However, the four best second-placed teams will have another opportunity via the CAF Play-Offs, with the ultimate winner advancing to a FIFA Playoff for a final shot at qualification.
Kenya’s Recent Form
The Harambee Stars enter the decisive fixtures with a mixed run of results. They secured an emphatic 5-0 win over Seychelles but suffered a 2-1 defeat against Gambia. Additionally, they played to a goalless draw with Ivory Coast and a 1-1 stalemate against Burundi.
Traveling Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Ian Otieno
- Brian Bwire
- Farouk Shikhalo
Defenders:
- Jonestone Omurwa
- Brian Mandela
- Daniel Anyembe
- Amos Nondi
- Erick Ouma
- Manzur Okwaro
- Ronny Onyango
Midfielders:
- Anthony Akumu
- Richard Odada
- Ismael Gonzalez
- Timothy Ouma
- Eric Johana
- Duke Abuya
- Mohammed Bajaber
- Ben Stanley Omondi
Forwards:
- Masud Juma
- Jonah Ayunga
- Elvis Rupia
- John Avire
- Michael Olunga
The Harambee Stars are set to depart for Abidjan on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as they gear up for the must-win clash against Gambia. With the road to the World Cup intensifying, Kenya’s performance in these qualifiers will be critical in determining their fate on the global stage.
