Benni McCarthy explains why he recalled Austin Odhiambo to Harambee Stars squad
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 06.10.25. | 18:10
Austin has featured in all of Gor Mahia’s opening matches this season, playing a pivotal role in K’Ogalo’s successive victories over Sofapaka and KCB FC while donning the captain’s armband
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has shed light on his decision to recall Gor Mahia captain Austin Odhiambo to the national team ahead of Kenya’s final back-to-back 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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Speaking during Harambee Stars’ first training session on Monday as preparations began for the crucial encounters against Burundi and Ivory Coast, the South African tactician lauded Odhiambo’s renewed work ethic and consistency at the club level, describing his return as “fully deserved.”
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Austin, who was part of Kenya’s historic CHAN squad that reached the knockout stages and scored twice during the continental showpiece, was left out of McCarthy’s squad in September for the qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles, where Kenya lost 3-1 and won 5-0 respectively.
The decision sparked widespread debate among fans, many questioning the exclusion of one of the country’s most technically gifted midfielders, especially after his standout performances in the August 2024 continental championship co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Since his omission, the 25-year-old playmaker has responded emphatically. He has featured in all of Gor Mahia’s opening matches of the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season, playing a pivotal role in K’Ogalo’s successive victories over Sofapaka and KCB FC while donning the captain’s armband.
“I’m happy for his return because he clearly got the message,” said McCarthy. “He’s worked hard, played every single game for his club, earned his captaincy, and shown leadership.
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No player is bigger than the team, if you don’t meet my standards, you’re out, no matter how talented you are or the number of goals, be it four or five, you score.
But Austin went back, put in the work, and earned his place again. That’s the mentality I want in my squad.”
The 2023/24 FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP) is among 24 players named in McCarthy’s final squad for the decisive Group F fixtures, with Kenya set to travel to Burundi on Thursday, 9 October, before taking on three-time African champions Ivory Coast on Tuesday,14 October.
