Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled his provisional squad for Kenya’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon. The South African tactician has blended youth and experience in his selection as he looks to guide Kenya to the global stage.
The squad features top local-based talents alongside international stars, including captain Michael Olunga, defender Joseph Okumu, and midfield dynamo Richard Odada. With these high-stakes matches scheduled for later this month, McCarthy will be hoping to make an immediate impact since his appointment as Kenya’s head coach.
A Balanced Squad with Fresh Faces and Key Veterans
McCarthy’s selection highlights a mixture of players who have been key in previous campaigns and some promising talents who could shape the future of Kenyan football.
Among the key names returning to the squad is Michael Olunga, the lethal striker from Al-Duhail, who remains Kenya’s primary goal threat. Masud Juma, currently playing for Esteghlal FC, and Jonah Ayunga of St Mirren also make the cut in the forward line.
In midfield, Timothy Ouma (Slavia Prague), Eric Johanna (UTA Arad), and Anthony Akumu (Kheybar Khorramabad) will be expected to provide creativity and stability. Duke Abuya, who plies his trade at Yanga SC in Tanzania, is another notable inclusion in the midfield ranks.
The defensive line includes European-based Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims) and Daniel Anyembe (Viborg FF), while experienced defender Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch) adds solidity to the backline.
Goalkeeping duties will be contested between Brian Bwire (Polokwane City), Ian Otieno (Richards Bay), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC), and Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), with all four competing for a starting role.
Full Harambee Stars Provisional Squad
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
- Musa Katibi (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 (Mara Sugar FC)
- Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks)
- Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia)
- Richard Odada (Dundee United)
- Duke Abuya (Yanga)
- 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)
A Look at Kenya’s Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers
Kenya faces a tough test in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with matches against Gabon and Gambia. The Stars will be looking to secure maximum points in these fixtures to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Gabon, led by their experienced core of players, will pose a stern challenge, while Gambia has proven to be a formidable opponent in African football. With McCarthy at the helm, Harambee Stars will be aiming to implement a solid tactical approach to get positive results in both matches.
McCarthy’s Tactical Approach and Expectations
Since his appointment as head coach, Benni McCarthy has emphasized a fast-paced, attacking brand of football. Known for his sharp tactical mind and strong leadership, McCarthy’s experience as a former striker and coach at clubs like Manchester United gives him the pedigree to transform Harambee Stars.
McCarthy’s squad selection shows his intent to strike a balance between experienced professionals and emerging young talents. Players like Austine Odhiambo and Musa Katibi, who have been impressive in the FKF Premier League, will have an opportunity to prove themselves on the international stage.
Kenya’s Hopes for a World Cup Return
Kenya is aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history. With Africa’s qualification slots expanded for the 2026 edition, Harambee Stars will be pushing to take advantage of this opportunity.
McCarthy’s appointment has injected fresh hope into the national team setup, and fans will be eager to see how the squad performs in the upcoming fixtures. A strong start in the qualifiers could set the tone for a historic campaign as Kenya dreams of making it to the world’s biggest football stage.
As the countdown to the qualifiers begins, all eyes will be on Harambee Stars to see if they can rise to the occasion and take a big step toward World Cup qualification.
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