Striker Michael Olunga is in training with teammates days before Friday's clash against Gambia. /HARAMBEE STARSHead Coach Beni McCarthy has unveiled the Harambee Stars starting XI for their Group F World Cup qualifier against Gambia, set for Friday at Kasarani Stadium from 4 pm.
Kenya sits fourth in the group with six points, while Gambia are fifth on four points as both teams fight to keep their hopes of reaching the global showpiece alive.
The Stars have so far recorded two losses and three draws, while the Scorpions have managed one win, one draw and four defeats.
Seychelles, already eliminated, anchors the group after losing all six of their matches.
McCarthy, fresh from guiding the team through the CHAN competition, has handed goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo the starting spot between the posts.
The defence line comprises Abud Omar, Sylvester Owino and Rooney Onyango.
In midfield, Collins Sichenje, Richard Odada, Timothy Ouma and Duke Abuya will take charge, while captain Michael Olunga leads the attack alongside Wilson Lenkupae and Emmanuel Osoro.
On the bench are Bandari FC goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo, Berian Bwire, Alphonce Omija, Mike Kibwage, Lewis Bandi, Suleiman Manzur, Alpha Onyango, Marvin Nabwire, Stanley Omondi, Ryan Ogam, Job Ochieng and Boniface Muchiri.
Harambee Stars’ qualification hopes are hanging by the thinnest of threads, but mathematically, they are still alive.
Kenya sit fourth in Group F on six points after five matches, with a maximum tally of 21 points still possible if they win all their remaining fixtures.
At the top of the table, Gabon lead with 18 points from six matches, while Ivory Coast are second with 16.
Burundi occupy third place with 10 points, and Gambia trail Kenya on four.
Seychelles, bottom with no points, are already eliminated.
For Kenya, Fridays's clash against Gambia at Kasarani is make-or-break.
A victory would lift them to nine points, just one behind Burundi, and keep their outside chances intact.
Defeat, however, would see them overtaken by Gambia and effectively end any realistic qualification dream.
Even a draw would leave them stuck in mid-table with too much ground to cover.
