New Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled his first Harambee Stars squad, selecting a mix of experienced internationals and fresh talent for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.
The South African tactician, appointed earlier this year, will be looking to get Kenya’s qualification campaign back on track.
His squad includes familiar faces such as captain Michael Olunga, defender Joseph Okumu, and midfielder Richard Odada, while also introducing young prospects like Ben Stanley and William Lenkupae.
Kenya will face Gambia on March 20 in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, before hosting Gabon in Nairobi on March 24. Both matches will be crucial as McCarthy looks to make an early impact on Kenya’s World Cup qualification hopes.
McCarthy has placed emphasis on creating a competitive squad by integrating promising young players with seasoned professionals.
Among the notable inclusions is Australia-born midfielder William Lenkupae, who has been making waves in the A-League with Central Coast Mariners.
Meanwhile, Andreas Odhiambo and Edward Omondi are among the domestic-based players earning their first international call-ups.
“This will be my first opportunity to work with the local-based players and assess their quality,” McCarthy said. “I want to ensure we have the best possible squad not only for these crucial World Cup qualifiers but also for the upcoming CHAN tournament.”
In defence, McCarthy has opted for a strong core featuring Okumu (Stade Reims), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg FF), and Collins Sichenje (FK Vojvodina), while Eric Ouma (Rakow Czestochowa) provides versatility on the flanks.
The goalkeeping department remains competitive with Ian Otieno (Richards Bay) and Brian Bwire (Polokwane City) among those vying for a starting spot.
Midfield remains a key battleground, with established names like Timothy Ouma (Slavia Prague), Duke Abuya (Yanga SC), and Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia) providing stability. Up front, Olunga, Jonah Ayunga (St Mirren), and Masud Juma (Esteghlal FC) will be expected to lead the attack.
Kenya’s preparations will begin on March 12, when local-based players report to camp. The foreign-based contingent will link up with the squad later ahead of their departure to Cote d’Ivoire.
Kenya’s Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Brian Opondo (Tusker FC), Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Ian Otieno (Richards Bay), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City)
Defenders: Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Siraj Mohamed (Bandari FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Levis Esambe (AFC Leopards SC), Eric Ouma (Rakow Czestochowa), Johnstone Omurwa (Kapaz FC), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims), Collins Sichenje (FK Vojvodina), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg FF), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch), Amos Nondi (Ararat)
Midfielders: Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards SC), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (KCB FC), Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Richard Odada (OFK Beograd), Duke Abuya (Yanga SC), Timothy Ouma (Slavia Prague), Apollo Otieno (Dodoma Jiji), Amos Nondi (FC Ararat), Eric Johanna (UTA Arad), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar Khorramabad), Ismail Gonzalez (Merida AD), William Lenkupae (Central Coast Mariners)
Forwards: Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Alvin Mang’eni (Kenya Police FC), Mohamed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), Eric Balecho (Tusker FC), Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka FC), Elvis Rupia (Singida Blackstars), John Avire (Porto Suez), Jonah Ayunga (St Mirren), Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail), Mathew Tegisi (Pamba Jiji), Masud Juma (Esteghlal FC)
