Kenya’s qualification hopes may already be out of reach, but positive results against Burundi and Ivory Coast would provide a morale boost heading into future competitions.
Harambee Stars Head Coach Benni McCarthy has announced his final squad for Kenya’s last two FIFA World Cup 2026 African qualifiers, as the team prepares to face Burundi and Ivory Coast away from home.
Kenya will travel to Bujumbura to take on Burundi on October 9, 2025 at the Intwari Stadium, before wrapping up their campaign against group leaders Ivory Coast on October 14, 2025 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
Kenya’s qualification hopes may already be out of reach, but positive results against Burundi and Ivory Coast would provide a morale boost heading into future competitions. The clash against Burundi is particularly crucial, as the two sides are separated by just one point in the standings.
The Harambee Stars will report to camp in early October, with fitness tests set to determine the final travelling squad.
McCarthy’s squad features a blend of established internationals and promising newcomers. England-based defender Vincent Harper earns a recall, while rising striker Lawrence Okoth steps up to the senior team after impressing at the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt, where he scored twice for the Kenya U20s in the group stage.
McCarthy emphasized the importance of finishing strongly despite Kenya’s slim qualification hopes:“These matches are about pride and building for the future. We want to show progress and end the campaign on a positive note,” he said.
Current Group F Standings
With eight matches played, Ivory Coast sit top of the group unbeaten on 20 points, followed closely by Gabon on 19 points. Gambia and Burundi are level on 10 points each, with only goal difference separating them.
Kenya currently occupy 5th place with 9 points, having won two, drawn three and lost three, while Seychelles remain bottom without a point.
Harambee Stars 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