Seychelles Announce Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Against Kenya and Gabon

Seychelles national team head coach Rapl Jean Louis has unveiled his 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the islanders will face Gabon and Kenya.

The side will be hoping to bounce back after a string of disappointing results, including a heavy defeat to Kenya last November.

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Seychelles, who continue to play their “home” fixtures at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius, will open their September campaign against Gabon on the 3rd before locking horns with Kenya’s Harambee Stars.

The squad named by the coach includes a mix of home-based players and a handful plying their trade abroad. Goalkeepers Carlos Simeon, who plays for Lynx FC in Gibraltar, and Romeo Padayachy of Light Stars FC headline the roster alongside defensive stalwart Warren Mellie of Foresters Mont Fleuri. England-based Alfie Walters, with Metropolitan Police FC, also earns a recall to the defensive line.

In midfield, creativity and industry will come from the likes of Vince Fred, Anil Dijoux, and Ryan Henriette, while captain Lorenzo Hoareau is expected to provide leadership and composure.

The forward line features Brandon Labrosse of Foresters Mont Fleuri, alongside young talents such as Jerone Joubert and Anelka Adela, who are tipped to shoulder the attacking responsibilities.

Seychelles will need their strike force firing, especially given the defensive frailties that were exposed in their last meeting with Kenya.

That clash in Abidjan ended in a bruising 5-0 defeat, where striker Michael Olunga’s early double set the tone for a dominant Harambee Stars display.

In that November clash, Seychelles were undone by costly defensive lapses and poor clearances that allowed Kenya to run riot.

Olunga bagged two goals in the opening six minutes, while Masoud Juma, Rooney Onyango, and Benson Omalla added to the rout.

Goalkeeper Carlos Simeon was left exposed by his backline but managed a few key saves that prevented an even heavier defeat.

The challenge ahead is clear: Seychelles must tighten their defence, improve ball retention, and avoid gifting early chances to their opponents. Coach Jean Louis has stressed the need for discipline and cohesion, especially against opponents of Kenya’s caliber.

Seychelles take on Gabon first on September 3, a test that will set the tone before they meet the Harambee Stars.

While Gabon will be a stern challenge, the spotlight inevitably falls on the Kenya fixture, where Seychelles will be desperate to avenge their previous loss and prove they can compete on the continental stage.

For the islanders, these qualifiers are not only about results but also about growth and laying down a foundation for the future.

Jean Louis’ 23-man squad will be tasked with showing resilience, passion, and belief as Seychelles continue their long road toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Goalkeepers:

Romeo Padayachy (Light Stars FC, Seychelles), Carlos Simeon (Lynx FC, Gibraltar), Ian Ah-Kong (Anse Réunion FC, Seychelles)

Defenders:

Alfie Walters (Metropolitan Police FC, England), Warren Mellie (Foresters Mont Fleuri, Seychelles), Justin Riaze (St. Louis Suns United, Seychelles), Makhan Cissoko, Don Fanchette, Markus Payet

Midfielders:

Vince Fred, Anil Dijoux, Elie Sophia, Imra Raheriniaina, Dean Mothe, Jossip Ravignia, Ryan Henriette, Lorenzo Hoareau

Forwards:

Brandon Labrosse (Foresters Mont Fleuri, Seychelles), Jerone Joubert, Anelka Adela, Samuel Okolie, Tyrone Cadeau, Torry Radegonde