){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=logo}
LEV
){kind=logo}
VIL
){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=small}
MIL
){kind=small}
COMO
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=logo}
WOL
){kind=small}
ARS
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
BMT
){kind=small}
KAS
){kind=small}
KCB
){kind=small}
AFC
){kind=small}
KAK
){kind=small}
SOF
){kind=small}
Bundesl){kind=logo}
M05
){kind=logo}
HSV
){kind=logo}
SAS
){kind=small}
VER
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=small}
B29
){kind=small}
OM
){kind=small}
ATH
){kind=logo}
ELC
){kind=small}
MAU
){kind=small}
SHA
){kind=small}
TUF
){kind=small}
MUR
){kind=small}
BAN
){kind=small}
BID
){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=logo}
OVI
){kind=small}
POR
){kind=logo}
JUV
){kind=logo}
KOE
){kind=logo}
TSG
){kind=small}
FCB
){kind=logo}
SGE
){kind=logo}
FCU
){kind=logo}
B04
)
The South African gaffer had a fiery response for critics, defending his Harambee Stars World Cup Qualifiers squad and recalling Odhiambo.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has aimed a dig at a fan who questioned his recent squad selection.
On Friday, September 26, 2025, McCarthy fired back at a supporter who hinted that they would boycott Kenya’s World Cup qualifier if Gor Mahia’s midfielder Austine Odhiambo was not included in the roster.
)
16:12 - 26.09.2025
Vincent Harper is among the foreign-born players that have earned a maiden call up to Benni McCarthy's latest Harambee Stars squad for upcoming gmes against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
The outspoken tactician made the response on Instagram, signaling that he was unfazed by the online criticism.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
McCarthy’s squad announcement came ahead of the crucial back-to-back World Cup qualifying ties next month.
)
13:14 - 25.09.2025
‘It is Opportunism’ - Zinedine Zidane’s Son Slammed for Choosing African Nation Over France
Zinedine Zidane’s son Luca has received criticism following his move to play for Algeria and not his country of birth France which his father led to great success.
Odhiambo, who had been missing from the previous call-ups, is among the new inclusions for Kenya’s matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
“We would not have missed you anyway,” McCarthy’s quick response on IG stated.
The midfielder, who was instrumental in Kenya’s CHAN campaign with goals against DR Congo and Angola, had mysteriously been omitted from the qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles.
His absence had sparked heated debate, especially after McCarthy benched him throughout the CHAN quarter-final loss to Madagascar despite using all six substitutions.
McCarthy’s Squad for the Final Push
)
McCarthy’s latest squad reflects a mix of experience and fresh talent as Kenya prepares to wrap up its World Cup qualification campaign.
)
06:11 - 26.09.2025
Hugo Ekitike: Liverpool Striker Penalised with Salary Deduction After Red Card
A bizarre sending-off in the League Cup match against Southampton will prove expensive for Hugo Ekitike, who has been severely sanctioned by Liverpool for his thoughtlessness.
Alongside Odhiambo, Kenya Police defender Daniel Sakari and striker Lawrence Okoth have been drafted in. Sakari returns after missing the last round of fixtures, while Okoth earns promotion from the U20 setup after impressing at the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt, where he scored twice.
Europe-based defender Vincent Harper also gets his first senior call-up, marking a significant milestone in his career.
The England-based fullback’s inclusion adds depth to Kenya’s backline, which will be tested against physical opponents in the upcoming matches.
Kenya’s campaign, however, has been marred by inconsistency. A 3-1 defeat to Gambia ended any realistic hopes of making the World Cup, leaving McCarthy’s charges playing for pride in the final two fixtures. The Harambee Stars did manage to bounce back with a convincing win over Seychelles, setting up what could be a morale-boosting end to the qualifiers.
Odhiambo’s Return a Timely Boost
)
Odhiambo’s reintroduction is expected to strengthen Kenya’s midfield as they face Burundi on Thursday, October 9, 2025, before traveling to West Africa to take on Ivory Coast on Tuesday, October 11, 2025.
The Gor Mahia playmaker’s creativity and ability to influence games will be crucial in breaking down stubborn defenses.
)
08:49 - 26.09.2025
Benni McCarthy has unveiled a 24-man Harambee Stars squad blending CHAN 2024 standouts, foreign-based talent, and debutants for World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
Fans have welcomed his return, with many hoping he can replicate his CHAN heroics and give McCarthy’s side a fighting chance to finish strongly.