){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
MSU
){kind=small}
ULS
){kind=small}
KAK
){kind=small}
SOF
){kind=small}
POL
){kind=small}
MAU
){kind=small}
SHA
){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}
BMT
){kind=small}
KAS
){kind=small}
KCB
){kind=small}
AFC
){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}
TUF
){kind=small}
MUR
){kind=small}
BAN
){kind=small}
BID
){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=logo}
OVI
){kind=small}
POR
)
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.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has sprung a surprise in his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles next month.
Following an impressive CHAN 2024 tournament, where they reached the quarter-final, it was expected that a number of standout performers would make it to the senior team for the upcoming assignments and that is what has just happened.
However, while the likes of Manzur Okwaro, Alpha Onyango, Sylvester Owino, Boniface Muchiri and Michael Kibwage have made the team, there are some big names who have missed out and this is the same for other top foreign-based players that have been ever-present in the national team.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
So, who are the surprise omissions from McCarthy’s squad for the matches against The Gambia and Seychelles?
)
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.
Austin Odhiambo
)
The Gor Mahia playmaker was one of the standout names at CHAN 2024, scoring two goals, but has been dropped from the squad.
It is not clear what led to the big decision from McCarthy but it appears there could be issues behind the scenes after the midfielder was surprisingly not utilised in Kenya’s quarter-final loss to Madagascar at CHAN 2024 last Friday.
Mohammed Bajaber
)
The new Simba SC forward has not been called, perhaps over fitness concerns as he was recovering from an injury when he ditched the Harambee Stars camp to join the Tanzanian giants just before the CHAN tournament started.
)
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.
Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma
)
Ever-present left-back Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma has been left out of the squad as he is nursing an injury following surgery on an Achilles tendon problem.
Ian Otieno
)
The South African-based goalkeeper was the man trusted in goal when McCarthy first became Harambee Stars coach but he has lost his place in the team after falling down the pecking order at his club Richards Bay where he is now playing second fiddle to Ugandan Salim Magoola.
Daniel Anyembe
)
Viborg FC defender Daniel Anyembe has been ever-present in the team but has not been called up this time with McCarthy set to rely on Lewis Bandi, who was impressive at CHAN, and Norway-based Ronney Onyango at right-back.
)
14:28 - 25.08.2025
A recap of how some Harambee Stars players performed over the weekend for various foreign-based clubs, including Michael Olunga and Jonah Ayunga, while another Kenyan prospect made his debut for Leicester.
Jonah Ayunga
)
St Mirren striker Jonah Ayunga has been getting call-ups but will not be involved this time, despite scoring a brilliant goal in his side’s 1-1 draw with Rangers last weekend, and has lost his place to Ryan Ogam, one of the stars of CHAN, who scored two goals.
Moses Shumah
)
Last season’s FKF Premier League top scorer with 17 goals, Moses Shumah also left the CHAN camp to sign for Zambian champions Power Dynamos before he was followed to the club by Emmanuel Osoro.
While Osoro has earned a call-up, Shumah has missed out with McCarthy set to rely on captain Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam.
)
06:51 - 27.08.2025
Poland-Based Midfielder Earns Harambee Stars Call-Up for Gambia and Seychelles Matches
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has handed Poland-based Timothy Ouma a call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles.