Harambee Stars to miss key defender in clash against Ivory Coast
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 13.10.25. | 13:37
His absence presents coach Benni McCarthy with a tactical headache
Harambee Stars will be without key defender ,Ronney Onyango, for Tuesday evening’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast in Abidjan, as he suspended for accumulating two yellow cards.
The Norway-based fullback was booked in the second half against Burundi for a foul, bringing his cautions in the qualifiers campaign to two, which automatically rules him out of the crucial fixture through a one-match suspension.
Onyango, Kenya’s undisputed first choice in right back position, has been one of the team’s most consistent performers since making his debut in 2023, growing from strength to strength to become a vital pillar in the national team.
His absence presents coach Benni McCarthy with a tactical headache.
The South African is likely to turn to Daniel Sakari of Kenya Police FC, who has previously featured as first choice during CHAN competitions, or Alphonce Omija, a natural center-back who impressed at right-back when Kenya faced the Elephants earlier in the qualifiers, keeping the lively Simon Adingra relatively quiet.
Onyango’s suspension is not the only concern for Stars. Goalkeeper Brian Bwire remains doubtful after suffering a head injury just two minutes into the Burundi game following a collision with Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, who was subsequently sent off.
It also remains unclear whether Alpha Onyango will recover in time after missing the Bujumbura clash through injury.
Coach McCarthy has already voiced frustration over the physical nature of the Burundi encounter, accusing the hosts of deliberately trying to injure his players.
“Burundi were very physical; they got away with a lot,” McCarthy said after the match. “On a proper surface, I doubt my players would have been that physical because that was not real football. Both teams wanted to win, but trying to break players’ legs is unacceptable. They are a good side, but fair play must be part of the game.”
For Ivory Coast, the match is vital as a win will see them book a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their fourth in history.
The Elephants have enjoyed a flawless qualification campaign so far, defeating Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles both home and away, scoring an impressive 22 goals without conceding.
Their only blemishes remain two away draws, one against Kenya and another in Gambia.
Kick-off is at 10:00 om(East Africa Time) at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Abidjan.
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