Kenya new coach Benni McCarthy has explained the exclusion of Gor Mahia and Tusker FC players from his squad for the recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
McCarthy in his first Kenya call up failed to include players from the two most glamourous clubs in the country, sparking numerous concerns.
The Harambee Stars played out 3-3 with Gambia before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat to Gabon, with Kenya’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
The disappointing results have intensified scrutiny on the coach’s decisions. With Kenya’s World Cup qualifying hopes taking a hit, fans and pundits are demanding answers.
Explaining why he excluded players from Gor Mahia and Tusker FC, the former Manchester United assistant coach said, “Gor Mahia and Tusker requested to keep their players longer for domestic league matches,” McCarthy told Mozzart. “Tusker faced Posta Rangers, while Gor Mahia played Bandari. We agreed to their request, but it meant I couldn’t call up players I hadn’t assessed properly.”
“I can’t select players I haven’t seen play or know nothing about,” he said. “The available players during that window were the ones I chose. It wasn’t ideal, but we had to adapt.”
Kenya are currently fourth in Group F, accumulating six points, 10 points adrift of log leaders, Ivory Coast after six matches.
The Harambee Stars will regroup for the continuation of the World Cup qualifiers in September.
