Harambee Stars: 5 Big Winners in Benni McCarthy's World Cup Qualifiers Squad

The latest Harambee Stars squad named by head coach Benni McCarthy for the final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast is a dynamic blend of veterans and raw, exciting talent.

The team will be captained by Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga, with a series of CHAN 2024 standouts making the cut.

However, there are football stars who will be making their first appearances, while others will be making a return after a long hiatus.

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The inclusion of these five players, in particular, signals significant professional milestones for each player. It also highlights Benni McCarthy’s strategy of integrating both homegrown form and diaspora expertise.

Austin Odhiambo's call-up is a victory over weeks of intense media speculation concerning his relationship with Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy.

The talented Gor Mahia midfielder's international career was thrown into doubt following the CHAN 2024 tournament.

Despite being a star in the group stage, Kenya's joint-top scorer with two goals, he was surprisingly benched for the entire quarter-final against Madagascar.

The rumours escalated when Austin Odhiambo was initially excluded from the subsequent World Cup qualifiers.

When pressed by the media, coach Benni McCarthy's visible frustration and his public refusal to take questions on the player, stating, "I do not want any questions about Austin. I am tired."

The coach’s statements further fueled speculation of a disciplinary issue or a fallout over playing style. However, Austin Odhiambo's inclusion in this squad, therefore, is his most significant win yet.

Lawrence Okoth’s inclusion is the most rapid elevation story in the squad. Lawrence Okoth, a young striker who recently impressed with the Kenya U20 (Rising Stars) side, has been fast-tracked directly into the senior team.

Lawrence Okoth’s success is a clear validation of the national technical bench's scouting and development strategy.

His proven ability to score at the youth level has convinced Benni McCarthy that he is ready for the rigors of competitive senior international football.

He provides a fresh, youthful option alongside captain Michael Olunga, and Ryan Ogam, offering the team energy and a glimpse into its long-term attacking future.

Vincent Harper’s call-up is a landmark win for the Harambee Stars’ strategy of integrating the foreign-based players.

Vincent Harper, a professional defender based in England, receives his second call-up to the senior national team.

His inclusion provides a much-needed infusion of high-level, modern defensive competence and physical conditioning acquired from a European football environment.

Vincent Harper was in the Harambee Stars squad for their international friendly match against Russia on October 16, 2023. The match, which was played in Antalya, Turkey, ended in a 2-2 draw.

Harper, who was playing for Exeter City in England at the time, was named on the bench as a substitute for the game.

Job Ochieng, who plays for Real Sociedad B in Spain, has secured his position in the squad as a reward for his consistent development.

The winger brings a dynamic element to the attack, characterised by electric pace, and the tactical discipline instilled by a top European club.

The winger received his Harambee Stars debut as a late substitute in the 3-1 loss to The Gambia, where he showed glimpses of his speed and technical ability. Crucially, he then earned his first senior start in the team's emphatic 5-0 victory over Seychelles.

Benni McCarthy has publicly praised Job Ochieng's style of play, specifically highlighting his ‘speed, ability, and goal scoring threat' and the value of his experience in the highly demanding Spanish football environment.

Alphonce Omija's inclusion in the Harambee Stars squad for the October World Cup Qualifiers is a major win for his professional ambition and Benni McCarthy's retention of key talent.

Alphonse Omija had missed the immediate previous set of qualifiers (against Gambia and Seychelles) as he was finalising a career-defining move from Gor Mahia to Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel.

His decision to prioritise securing his professional future in a highly competitive North African league was understandable, leading to his temporary absence from the national camp. His immediate recall and availability for the Burundi and Ivory Coast fixtures signify a victory.