McCarthy sweating over fitness of influential trio ahead of final 2026 World Cup qualifiers
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 07.10.25. | 08:07
Despite the injury worries, the coach remains optimistic of registering positive results
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed that three key players, captain Michael Olunga, Alpha Onyango and Ronney Onyango, are nursing injuries and will undergo late fitness tests ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Burundi in Bujumbura.
The national team reported to camp on Monday and held the first training session at the Police Sacco Grounds in South C, Nairobi.
Stars will depart for Burundi on Thursday for what is a formality fixture, as their hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup are already extinguished.
After playing Burundi, the team will depart for Ivory Coast, where an important game for the Elephants awaits them on Tuesday, 14 October.
Ahead of departure, McCarthy confirmed that his captain, Olunga, is battling a hamstring strain, while Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango and Norway based right back Ronney Onyango are also carrying knocks.
The South African tactician said the technical team will continue monitoring their progress before deciding on their availability.
“Captain Michael Olunga has an issue with his hamstring. Alpha Chris Onyango and Ronney Onyango also reported with injury concerns. We will monitor them closely and by the time we face Burundi, we will have a clearer picture of their fitness levels,” McCarthy said.
Despite the injury worries, the coach remains optimistic and hinted at using the remaining qualifiers to hand opportunities to emerging talents including Lawrence Okoth, who could feature in attack.
“Now that we are out of qualifying contention, it is a chance to give young players opportunities. I hope Okoth appreciates this moment and grabs it with both hands,” he added.
Final squad
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire
Defenders: Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari
Midfielders: Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo
Wingers: William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
Strikers: Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth
