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RAY
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Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma was a surprise exclusion from Benni McCarthy's squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles at Kasarani Stadium.
Harambee Stars left-back Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma has suffered a devastating setback: a torn Achilles tendon.
As announced by his club Rakow Częstochowa, medical tests confirmed the severity of the injury, and Ouma is set to undergo surgery in the coming days. The recovery ahead will be lengthy and uncertain.
As a result, coach Benni McCarthy has had to make the difficult decision to omit Ouma from his 23-man squad for the September World Cup qualifiers against Gambia (September 5) and Seychelles (September 9), both to be played at Kasarani Stadium.
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14:54 - 27.08.2025
The South African gaffer Benni McCarthy has named Kenya’s squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles.
Benni McCarthy’s Decisions
McCarthy’s squad showcases a balanced mix of homegrown talents and foreign-based players. A total of 13 players from Kenya’s impressive CHAN 2024 campaign have been included, alongside Real Sociedad forward Job Ochieng.
However, Ouma joins the list of notable absentees—among them Austin Odhiambo and Mohammed Bajaber—whose exclusions raise questions among eager fans. McCarthy cited injury-related reasons for Ouma and Bajaber's absence.
Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma has been a rock-solid presence at left-back for both club and country. His dynamic work rate, defensive solidity, and versatility across the flank have been integral to the team’s structure. Losing him at such a critical stage is a blow to McCarthy’s plans.
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15:51 - 27.08.2025
Harambee Stars Squad: 7 Big Misses from Benni McCarthy’s Team for Gambia and Seychelles
Benni McCarthy has unveiled his squad for Kenya’s World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles but there are some big names that have been left out.
Kenya, currently fourth in Group F behind Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Burundi, can ill afford any disruption as they pursuit their first-ever World Cup qualification. The home games at Kasarani represent a crucial opportunity to close the gap.
Looking Ahead
Ouma’s absence leaves a gap both defensively and in terms of experience. Yet, it may be a chance for emerging talents to step up. McCarthy’s decision underscores the importance of squad depth and adaptability—two qualities his team must leverage as the pressure mounts.
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08:12 - 27.08.2025
Austin Odhiambo On How Early CHAN 2024 Exit Could Hurt Harambee Stars Players’ Moves Abroad
Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo has explained how crashing out of CHAN 2024 could negatively impact their career progression.