5 Notable Absentees From Harambee Stars Squad For Madagascar, Comoros Friendlies

When Benni McCarthy unveiled his latest Harambee Stars squad ahead of the November international friendlies against Madagascar and Comoros, many fans were bracing for surprises, but few expected to see Kenya’s most reliable goal-scorer missing. 

The South African tactician, who has made it clear that no player is indispensable, continues to reshape the national team setup with a focus on balance, discipline, and long-term vision.

While McCarthy’s inclusions generated excitement, the omissions were just as telling. Several key names who had become regulars under previous regimes, and even in McCarthy’s early tenure, were missing from the list, sending a powerful message about accountability and competition for places.

Here are five surprise omissions from the Harambee Stars squad — and why they might still be crucial to McCarthy’s plans in the near future.

Tyler Onyango has already declared his intention to represent Kenya internationally, despite the Everton man having already represented England at U17 level.

With the midfielder currently on loan at Stockport County, there was an expectation that with more gametime under his belt in the last two months, he would have been named in the squad by now, but McCarthy has not called him up.

Onyango has earned comparisons to Patrick Vieira due to his engine, ball carrying ability and tenacious displays in the middle of the park, qualities that could be very valuable for McCarthy as he continues building a formidable team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

McCarthy will be hoping he can become available in time for the March 2026 international break.

Zak Vyner is a player that has been on the international radar for quite some time now, and was even called up by former coach Engin Firat in June 2024, but documentation issues prevented him from making his debut for Kenya.

Since then, Benni McCarthy has even confirmed he spoke with the player in September, and the impression he got was a willingness by Vyner to play for the side, but needed to settle his club future with Bristol City first as he approaches the final year of his contract with the side.

Vyner has been offered a contract but has yet to sign it, but once his future is sorted, we may get to see him in time for the March 2026 window.

Considered an untouchable in the eyes of several coaches, Benni McCarthy has dropped Michael Olunga from the squad for the second time this year, clearly with an eye on wanting to see what other options can do.

Olunga is just two goals away from equalling the all time goalscoring record for the national team, and one would have expected he got called up to help fill up his boots, but he may have to wait until March instead.

Another surprise omission from the squad, Collins Sichenje has been left out of the squad after enjoying a run of four consecutive starts for the side.

Sichenje had even captained  the side during their 5-0 win over Seychelles at Kasarani Stadium, but has opted to retain Gor Mahia duo of Mike Kibwage and Sylvester Owino, as well as Tunisia based defender Alphonce Omija.

Richard Odada has been left out in the cold for the second window in a row, with the former Red Star Belgrade man still finding his feet in Romania for UTA Arad.

Odada has not played for Kenya since their 3-1 loss to Gambia, when he started as a lone pivot at Kasarani, before being subbed off at half time after having a very bad game in the middle of the park that day.

Odada will be hoping a return to form at club level will put him back in the picture.

McCarthy’s latest selections and omissions paint a picture of a coach unafraid to make tough calls. Kenya’s head coach seems intent on building a merit-based squad where reputation alone no longer guarantees selection.

With the 2027 AFCON qualifiers on the horizon, his decisions are shaping a more competitive, dynamic team.