Among other inclusions are local based players Farouk Shikhalo, Rooney Onyango, Ben Stanley Omondi and Mohammed Bajaber.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled his traveling squad for Kenya’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon. In a notable decision, only five local based players have made the cut for the crucial matches, which will take place later this month.
In a notable move, U20 defender Manzur Okwaro has earned a place in the final squad, marking a significant step in his career. Additionally, Ismael Gonzalez returns to the national team after an extended absence. The squad will also feature the inclusion of Eric Johana Omondi, Daniel Francis Anyembe and Richard Odada, who are set to join the team in Abidjan.
Among other inclusions are local based players Farouk Shikhalo, Rooney Onyango, Ben Stanley Omondi and Mohammed Bajaber. However, several prominent FKF Premier League players have been left out of the traveling squad. McCarthy, who is preparing for his first World Cup qualifiers with Kenya, has made some tough decisions, including the omission of in form Gor Mahia midfielder and league MVP Austin Odhiambo and Reims defender Joseph Okumu, whose exclusion may raised eyebrows among fans. Okumu featured for his club yesternight and the reason for his absence remains unknown.
Coach McCarthy expressed his enthusiasm about leading the team in his first World Cup qualifiers, acknowledging the challenges ahead while also showing confidence in his squad's abilities.
"I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers," McCarthy said. "I’m eager to work with the talented squad I’ve selected for the campaign. There’s plenty of hard work and dedication ahead, but we’re ready to embrace the challenge as a team."
The national team will face Gambia on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Stade Allasane Ouattara in Ivory Coast. The team will then return home for their second match against Gabon, scheduled for Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, with kickoff set for 4 PM.
Currently, Kenya sits fourth in the group standings with 5 points, following one win against Seychelles and two draws with Ivory Coast and Burundi. Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, putting them in a strong position to qualify.
With only one direct spot available for each group winner, the competition is fierce. The four best runners-up will also progress to the CAF Play-Offs, with the winner of that tournament advancing to a FIFA Playoff for a chance to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The team is set to depart Nairobi for Abidjan on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
Previous Results:
Seychelles 0-5 Kenya
Gambia 2-1 Kenya
Kenya 0-0 Ivory Coast
Kenya 1-1 Burundi
Traveling Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Ian Otieno
Brian Bwire
Faruk Shikhalo
Defenders:
Jonestone Omurwa
Brian Mandela
Daniel Anyembe
Amos Nondi
Erick Ouma
Manzur Okwaro
Ronny Onyango
Midfielders:
Anthony Akumu
Richard Odada
Ismael Gonzalez
Timothy Ouma
Eric Johana
Duke Abuya
Mohammed Bajaber
Ben Stanley Omondi
Forwards:
Masud Juma
Jonah Ayunga
Elvis Rupia
John Avire
Michael Olunga