By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his final squad for two pivotal World Cup qualifier matches against The Gambia and Seychelles.
Harambee Stars are preparing for these crucial home fixtures as they aim to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The squad boasts of a blend of local and international based players. Job Ochieng of Real Sociedad B gets his first call up to the senior side. Additionally, 13 players from the recent historic CHAN campaign make the squad.
Kenya will host The Gambia on Friday, September 5, 2025, followed by a clash with Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Both matches are set to kick off at 4:00 pm at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
These matches come at a critical stage in the African qualifiers, which feature a group stage format.
Teams are divided into groups, and each team plays home-and-away fixtures against their group rivals.
The top team in each group qualifies directly for the World Cup, the second round will pit the four best runners-up in two one-off semi-finals, followed by a final. The winner of this second round will participate in the FIFA Play-Off Tournamen
Kenya sits fourth in their group with 6 points, behind Ivory Coast, Burundi, and Gabon.
Ivory Coast lead the group with 16 points, followed by Gabon on 15 and Burundi with 10 points. A strong performance on home soil will be crucial, as points secured in familiar surroundings could prove decisive in the battle for qualification.
The upcoming double-header at Kasarani is expected to draw passionate fans eager to see their national team succeed. The atmosphere at the stadium could provide the Stars with the psychological edge needed to secure vital victories. Every goal, defensive play, and fan cheer will count as Kenya pursues its first-ever World Cup qualification.
Final Squad
Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire
Defenders
Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Lewis Bandi
Midfielders
Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Manzur Suleiman, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Wingers
Emmanuel Osoro, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
Strikers
Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam
