Harambee Stars coach Benny McCarthy has named his final squad
for Kenya’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory
Coast.
The team is set to square it out with Burundi on 9th
October in what seems to be the decider between the two nations as Kenya is
just a point behind Burundi on 5th position, and a week later face the Ivory
Coast for the final tie, who are the leading team in group F standings.
The named squad includes 3 goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 6 midfielders, 3 wingers, and 3 strikers.
Austine Odhiambo, who became a fan's darling during the
African Nations Championships after scoring twice for Harambee Stars' crucial
games, has made a surprise comeback after missing out on the Gambia and
Seychelles qualifier games.
The squad includes, (Defenders) Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire
and Byrne Omondi, (Defenders) Manzur Okwaro, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino,
Alphonse 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 and Lawrence Okoth.
The squad blends experience with fresh talent. England-based
defender Vincent Harper earns his maiden call-up, while striker Lawrence Okoth
steps up from the junior ranks after impressing with the Kenya U20 side at the
2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt, where he netted two goals in the group stage.
Currently sitting 5th in the group with 9 points, the Harambee Stars will be looking to finish their qualification journey on a positive note.
The squad will report to camp in early October, with the final
travelling list set to be confirmed following medical and fitness assessments.
Both matches will be played away, marking the conclusion of
the Harambee Stars’ qualification campaign.
