5 Big Harambee Stars Omissions for World Cup Qualifiers Against Burundi and Ivory Coast

The Harambee Stars squad selection will always divide opinion, and  Benni McCarthy’ latest choices for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast have again sparked lively debate. 

Fans were quick to point out some major omissions, with several key players missing despite their recent form and experience. 

Pulse Sports gives a closer look at five of the biggest absentees.

One of the most surprising exclusions is young midfield sensation Timothy Ouma. The Lech Poznań man started and played the full 90 minutes in their recent 2-0 league win over Bruk-Bet Termalica Nieciecza, showcasing his energy and composure. His growing influence in the Polish league has drawn praise as the club pushes up to sixth place, just four points off the leaders.

Leaving Ouma out has puzzled many supporters, as his creativity and work rate could have been valuable against Burundi and Ivory Coast. At just 20, he represents the future of Kenya’s midfield and has the match fitness to make an immediate impact.

McCarthy’ decision suggests he prefers to lean on more experienced campaigners for this window, but fans see Ouma’s exclusion as a missed opportunity to blend youth with experience.

Dependable left-back Erick “Marcelo” Ouma is absent due to injury, having undergone Achilles tendon surgery. His recovery has kept him out of recent club and national duty, and his absence was felt during Kenya’s mixed results last international window, which included a 3-1 loss to Gambia and a 5-0 win over Seychelles.

Ouma’s pace, overlapping runs, and defensive awareness have been vital for the Harambee Stars in recent years. He also brings valuable leadership to a relatively young backline.

His absence forces Broos to turn to backup options, placing pressure on less experienced players to fill the void at left-back in two must-win fixtures.

Viborg FC defender Daniel Anyembe has been a reliable presence at right-back but has been left out of this squad. Instead, McCarthy will rely on England-based Vincent Harper and Norway-based Ronney Onyango to marshal the right side of defense.

Anyembe’s exclusion is significant given his experience and calmness under pressure, traits that will be tested in high-stakes games.

His continued absence could indicate that the technical bench is transitioning toward a new generation of right-backs, but this choice is a gamble considering the strength of Ivory Coast’s wide players.

Midfield enforcer Richard Odada will not feature after parting ways with Dundee United earlier this month. His struggles for minutes in Scotland—only three league starts in 13 appearances—culminated in a mutual contract termination as he seeks a new challenge.

Despite a poor showing against Gambia, where he was substituted at halftime, Odada has been a dependable shield in front of the defense. His absence removes a natural ball-winner from midfield.

Against physically dominant opponents, McCarthy will hope his other midfielders can handle the defensive workload that Odada usually provides.

St Mirren striker Jonah Ayunga is another notable absentee. He recently returned to full fitness and featured in his club’s dramatic League Cup quarter-final win over Kilmarnock, but he was not on the scoresheet.

Ayunga had been part of recent call-ups but has now lost his place, with Broos continuing to trust Ryan Ogam, who was already in the squad for the Gambia and Seychelles games and impressed with his movement and link-up play.

With Kenya needing goals to climb from fifth place in the group, Ayunga’s strength and experience might have offered a different attacking option, but Broos is sticking with the forward line that has been in camp together.

These decisions set up a tense October, with Kenya facing Burundi on October 9 and Ivory Coast on October 14. The Harambee Stars will need to prove that Broos’ faith in his chosen squad is justified.