Insiders reveal why Austin Odhiambo was left out of Harambee Stars' squad
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 28.08.25. | 19:02
Austin was also benched for the entire 120 minutes as Kenya crashed out on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time
On Wednesday, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy named his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles in Nairobi on Friday, 5 and Tuesday, 9 September, respectively.
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A number of key players missed out on call-ups, including Daniel Anyembe, Teddy Akumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Jonah Ayunga, and John Avire. However, the omission that has had tongues wagging is that of Austin Odhiambo.
The Gor Mahia midfielder, who was part of Kenya’s CHAN squad that reached the quarterfinals, was excluded from the team, sparking speculation about what may have prompted the South African coach to drop one of the country’s most creative players.
Odhiambo scored in Kenya’s opening two games against DR Congo and Angola, was benched against Morocco, and later returned against Zambia in the final group game.
However, eyebrows were raised in the quarterfinal against Madagascar, where he was benched for the entire 120 minutes as Kenya crashed out on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.
Mozzart Sport has dug deep to investigate the rumours of indiscipline. Players and backroom staff from the CHAN tournament all refuted the claims, insisting that Odhiambo had no disciplinary issues before or during the competition.
“All these are fabrications. If he had an issue, he would not have been in camp. The coach has zero tolerance for indiscipline and even kicked out members of the support staff for such reasons.
There is no way Austin would have stayed in camp, let alone been included in the squad, if it were a matter of discipline,” one player told Mozzart Sport.
Another source suggested the issue may be linked to Odhiambo’s playing style. “I think the coach wants workers, while Austin is largely a technical player.
That’s where the conflict may have arisen. But definitely nothing to do with discipline—because if it was, he wouldn’t have lasted a day in camp. The coach doesn’t tolerate that.”
On Wednesday, through his Instagram account, McCarthy responded to inquiries regarding the omission of Erick Ouma, explaining that the defender had picked up an injury at his club, Raków Częstochowa.
As for Mohamed Bajaber, he clarified that the player is not yet fully fit. However, he did not disclose the reasons for Austin Odhiambo’s exclusion.
Final squad
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire
Defenders: Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Lewis Bandi
Midfielders: Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Manzur Suleiman, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Forwards: Emmanuel Osoro, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchirim Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam
