Richard Odada and four big names missing from Harambee Stars latest squad

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy named the 24-man squad tor the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with some big names missing from the list.

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Kenya will be concluding the World Cup qualifiers during the October international break; taking on Burundi on 9 October at Intwari Stadium, before facing Ivory Coast five days later at the Alassane Outara Stadium.

Mozzart Sport takes a look at some of the five big players that were omitted from the upcoming matches.

Richard Odada

The midfielder has been a key figures in the national team since making his debut in 2021.

The former Dundee United midfielder largely took over the defensive midfield duties of former Stars captain Victor Wanyama.

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He also inherited his preferred jersey number 12.

Odada, who is currently a free agent, started in Kenya’s disappointing 3-1 loss against The Gambia.

He was one of the players who were highly criticized for what pundits termed below par performance from him in the match.

The emergence of youngster Manzur Okwaro and Alpha Onyango in the national fold might have contributed to his omission.

Lewis Bandi

Newly signed Gor Mahia defender Lewis Bandi is also one of the big names missing from coach McCarthy’s squad.

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Bandi impressed in the recently concluded 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and was later retained in the last qualifier matches.

However, he is yet to start a match for K’ogalo this season. This might have had a role in his omission.

Emmanuel Osoro

Zambian club Power Dynamos striker Emmanuel Osoro is the third player who was in the last World Cup qualifiers, but not included for the forthcoming assignment.

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Osoro impressed in the FKF Premier League last season, finishing second in the top scorers chart with 16 goals.

Masud Juma

Masud Juma is also another notable name that has been omitted from the squad.

The former Kariobangi Sharks striker had an underwhelming performance in the 2024 CHAN where he was Kenya’s senior most striker.

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His performance at CHAN might have contributed to his omission.

Juma has also a new club, Nejmeh SC which he joined on Friday 12 September.

Ian Otieno

The other big player who could not find a place in McCarthy’s squad is former AFC Leopards goalkeeper Ian Otieno.

Otieno currently turns out for Richards Bay in the South African top tier. 

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In turn, the tactician has preferred; Bryne Omondi and Faruk Shikalo as well as Brian Bwire who plies his trade with Polokwane City in South Africa.

While these big names could not find a place in the Kenyan squad, it was a reprieve for Gor Mahia star Austine Odhiambo who has been recalled into the squad by the former Bafana Bafana striker.

Odhiambo stayed out of Kenya’s CHAN quarter-final match against Madagascar and later missed out on the squad that faced The Gambia and Seychelles.

FULL 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

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