Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.
Among the notable inclusions is U20 defender Manzur Okwaro, who earns his spot in the final squad, while Ismael Gonzalez returns to the national team after a long absence.
Eric Johana Omondi, Daniel Francis Anyembe, and Richard Odada will join the team in Abidjan for the matches.
Coach McCarthy shared his enthusiasm about leading his first two World Cup qualifiers, saying:
“I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers. I’m excited to work with the talented squad I’ve assembled for this campaign. There’s a lot of hard work and dedication ahead, but we’re ready to face the challenge together as a team.”
The team will first take on Gambia on Thursday at Stade Allasane Ouattara in Ivory Coast, before returning home to face Gabon at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday.
Currently, Kenya sits in fourth place in the group with 5 points, having secured a win against Seychelles and draws against Ivory Coast and Burundi. Group leaders Ivory Coast top the table with 10 points.
The winners of each group will secure a direct spot in the tournament, while the four best runners-up will advance to the CAF Play-Off tournament.
The winner of that play-off will then compete in a FIFA Playoff for a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Previous Results: Seychelles 0-5 Kenya, Gabon 2-1 Kenya, Kenya 0-0 Ivory Coast, Kenya 1-1 Burundi.
Traveling Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo.
Defenders: Jonestone Omurwa, Brian Mandela, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, Erick Ouma, Manzur Okwaro, Ronny Onyango.
Midfielders: Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Ismael Gonzalez, Timothy Ouma, Eric Johana, Duke Abuya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley Omondi.
Forwards: Masud Juma, Jonah Ayunga, Elvis Rupia, John Avire, Michael Olunga.
