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Michael Olunga is among some 7 big names Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has dropped for their upcoming double-friendly encounters with Chad in Morocco this June.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled a provisional squad ahead of Kenya’s upcoming international friendlies against Chad, scheduled for June 7 and June 10, 2025, in Morocco. The announcement has sparked widespread discussion—not for who made the list, but rather who didn’t.
The standout headline is the dramatic return of veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama, who has come out of international retirement to rejoin the national team.
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McCarthy's decision to bring back the former captain signals his intent to blend experience with a new generation of talent as he builds toward the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) set for August.
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The squad is notably packed with local-based players, many of whom have been in superb form in the FKF Premier League. Among them are first-time call-ups Kenneth Nyamwaya and Swaleh Pamba, both of whom will be eager to make their mark on the international stage.
This camp marks McCarthy’s second stint with the national team, and the friendlies offer a critical window to assess squad depth and cohesion.
However, some familiar names have been left out, and their absence has raised eyebrows across Kenyan football circles.
Michael Olunga
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Michael Olunga is perhaps the biggest omission from the latest squad, with Benni McCarthy clearly picking a core of mostly local based players perhaps with an eye on the upcoming CECAFA and CHAN 2024 tournaments.
For a long time, Olunga has been relied on to carry the goalscoring burden, lead from the front and also bring other players into the game with his back to goal play.
In his absence, Moses Shumah, Emmanuel Osoro and Beja Nyamawi, who have all been on hot goalscoring form in the Kenyan Premier League of late, will be tasked with carrying the goalscoring burden for both games.
This should give him more solutions, especially with Tusker’s Ryan Ogam still recuperating from a knee injury.
Joseph Okumu
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For the second international window in a row, Joseph Okumu has been left out of the squad that will be taking part in both friendly matches against Chad.
Okumu was left out in March following what Benni McCarthy described as a ‘misunderstanding’ with his club and representatives.
He last played for Reims during the French Cup final against PSG, where he was subbed off at half time as the side lost 3-0 to a Bradley Barcola-inspired outfit.
McCarthy has however not picked any international based defender with the exception of Brian Mandela, which could be implying that he wants to take a look at the local based players to see what they have got to offer.
Austine Odhiambo
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Austine Odhiambo has also been left out for the second international window in a row despite being rendered fit again to play.
He last played for the national team during the Mapinduzi Cup held at Pemba Islands in Zanzibar. It remains unclear why he has failed to make the cut, especially with players like David Sakwa picked ahead of him.
Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma
Another standout player missing from the list is Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, who was one of the shining lights from their clash against Gabon last March.
In his place, McCarthy has opted to recall Abud Omar - who has not been getting alot of minutes for Kenya Police in recent weeks, and Siraj Mohammed, showing McCarthy is giving local based players priority ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Daniel Anyembe
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Another missing name is Denmark-based defender Daniel Anyembe, who has grown to prominence for the national team since declaring allegiance for the team in 2023.
Having already represented Denmark at U21 level, Anyembe’s versatility will be missed for this tournament given his ability to play across all four positions at the back.
Ronney Onyango
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Ronney Onyango is still settling in Norway since moving there in April from Gor Mahia, just weeks after he had taken part in trials for Division One outfit Songdal FC.
Onyango has become a key figure of the Harambee Stars right back position ever since his debut in 2023, and given his ability to influence the game with his vertical runs, excellent crossing and athleticism, it is somewhat surprising to see him left out.
However, it gives McCarthy an opportunity to have a look at Daniel Sakari- himself a seasoned international - and AFC Leopards captain Lewis Bandi, who has impressed for Ingwe since his return to full fitness after suffering from an ACL injury that ruled him out for much of the 2023/2024 league season.
Teddy Akumu
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Teddy Akumu is a name most would have expected to feature in the squad even as McCarthy chose to drop a majority of big names for this international window.
Akumu has often impressed coaches that have worked with him due to his tactical intelligence and utter professionalism, but Pulse Sports understands that is the reason Victor Wanyama was drafted back into the team, to play that specific role.
Final Thoughts
Benni McCarthy’s latest provisional squad suggests a clear focus: prioritize local talent while strategically blending in experience. With CHAN 2025 on the horizon, these friendlies will serve as vital preparation.
While the exclusion of big names like Olunga, Okumu, and Ouma will dominate headlines, the door appears far from shut for these stars. For now, the spotlight turns to the emerging talents who have been handed a golden opportunity to stake their claim.
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