Austin Odhiambo missing as McCarthy names Harambee Stars squad for World Cup qualifiers
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 27.08.25. | 14:41
The South African has largely stuck to the squad that exceeded expectations at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN)
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles.
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The South African has largely stuck to the squad that exceeded expectations at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where Kenya topped the 'Group of Death' but suffered elimination at the hands of Madagascar in the quarters.
Gor Mahia stalwart Austin Odhiambo, who starred at CHAN, scoring two goals and emerging as Kenya's joint-top scorer alongside Ryan Ogam, has been overlooked by McCarthy.
This comes on the backdrop of Austin sitting out of the quarter-final loss to Madagascar despite the team struggling to create chances upfront.
Also missing is dependable left back Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma, who was substituted after just six minutes in Raków Częstochowa's league clash against Nieciecza back on Sunday, 17 August.
Mohammed Bajaber is also not part of the squad after pulling out of CHAN due to an injury, but has featured in a number of pre-season games for his new club, Simba SC.
Harambee Stars, however, welcomed players plying their trade abroad, including Brian Bwire, Collins Sichenje, Rooney Onyango, Richard Odada, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Emmanuel Osoro, Will Lenkupae, and Michael Olunga.
Job Ochieng, who turns out for Real Sociedad B, has earned his maiden call-up at just the age of 22 after impressing since his move to the Spanish club.
Harambee Stars are currently fourth in Group F and need a miracle to qualify for their maiden World Cup as they trail group leaders Ivory Coast by 10 points.
Goalkeepers
1. Faruk Shikhalo
2. Brian Bwire
3. Byrne Omondi
Defenders
4. Sylvester Owino
5. Alphonce Omija
6. Collins Sichenje
7. Michael Kibwage
8. Rooney Onyango
9. Abud Omar
10. Lewis Bandi
Midfielders
11. Richard Odada
12. Alpha Onyango
13. Duke Abuya
14. Mansur Okwaro
15. Timothy Ouma
16. Ben Stanley
17. Marvin Nabwire
Forwards
18. Emmanuel Osoro
19. Will Lenkupae
20. Job Ochieng
21. Boniface Muchiri
22. Michael Olunga
23. Ryan Ogam
