Lawrence Ouma In, Vincent Harper Back as Benni McCarthy Unveils Harambee Stars Squad to Face Burundi, Ivory Coast

Kenya's national football team, Harambee Stars, are gearing up for the final push in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, with head coach Benni McCarthy announcing his final 24-man squad.

The team is set to face Burundi and the Ivory Coast in their final two away fixtures, hoping to conclude their journey on a high note, despite the challenge of a direct qualification spot being out of reach.

The squad, a blend of experienced internationals and promising new faces, suggests Benni McCarthy is building for the future while remaining competitive.

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Spearheading the team is the influential captain Michael Olunga, who is expected to carry the bulk of the attacking responsibility.

He is joined in the striker department by Ryan Ogam and the debutant Lawrence Okoth, a young talent who has impressed with the Kenya U20 side.

A notable inclusion is the English-based defender Vincent Harper, who will be making a return to Harambee Stars after receiving his first call-up in 2023 when Harambee Stars drew 2-2 with Russia in a friendly match that took place in Turkey. However, he did not make his debut. Lawrence Ouma will also be making his senior Harambee Stars debut.

Harper will work alongside other foreign-based players like goalkeeper Brian Bwire (Polokwane City), defender Collins Sichenje (Vojvodina), and winger Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad B).

The midfield sees the retention of key players such as Duke Abuya and Timothy Ouma, providing a mix of creativity and industry.

A significant feature of Benni McCarthy's selection is the core group that delivered an impressive, historic run to the quarterfinals of the 2024 CHAN tournament.

No less than 13 players from that squad, which stunned many by advancing from a tough group, have been retained for these senior World Cup qualifiers.

Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi and midfielder Alpha Onyango are in the mix. The defensive line also features a blend of local and international experience, with Abud Omar and Daniel Sakari providing solid options.

Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija, who were consistent figures in the backline at CHAN, have been trusted to transition their strong domestic form to the international stage.

Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire

Defenders: Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari,

Midfielders: Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo

Wingers: William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri

Strikers: Michael Olunga (Captain), Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth