Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has summoned a squad of 24 players for Harambee Stars final two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Burundi and Ivory Coast in October.
Harambee Stars will first face the Swallows of Burundi at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura, on October 9th, before wrapping up their campaign against the African champions at Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast, on October 14th.
The South African legend has picked a squad blend of youth and experience, with striker and captain Michael Olunga set to spearhead the striking area alongside Ryan Ogam. The 31-year-old, who plays for Qatar Stars League outfit Al-Arabi, was in the squad that played the last two qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles.
Against Seychelles, Olunga grabbed a brace, the first coming from the penalty spot, as Kenya went on to hammer the Island nation 5-0.
Some of the players, who have been overlooked from the previous campaign, include midfielder Richard Odada, defender Lewis Bandi and striker Emmanuel Osoro.
England-based Vincent Harper earns maiden call-up
Meanwhile, England-based defender Vincent Harper, who currently plays for EFL League Two side Walsall, has been handed his maiden call-up ahead of the two qualifiers. The left-back was born in Nairobi, Kenya, but later moved to England when he was a toddler. He holds a dual citizenship.
Another new inclusion in McCarthy’s squad is striker Lawrence Okoth, who has been promoted from the junior ranks after impressing with the Kenya U20 side at the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt.
Okoth, who plays in the Finnish top-tier league for SJK Seinäjoki, where he joined from the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), made history as the first Kenyan to score at the U20 AFCON against Morocco.
The goalkeeping area will have Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, and Brian Bwire, while the defence line comprises Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, and Daniel Sakari.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo, who was dropped for the Gambia and Seychelles qualifiers, has regained his position in the squad. Odhiambo was in great form for Kenya during the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), where the East African reached the knockout stages on their debut campaign.
Kenya currently sits fifth in Group F of the qualifiers with nine points, accumulated from two wins, three draws and three defeats. They are 11 points behind leaders Ivory Coast, who have amassed 20 points while Gabon are second with 19 points.
During the first round meetings, Kenya drew 1-1 against Burundi before managing to hold Ivory Coast to a 0-0 draw. Harambee Stars will be looking to finish their qualification journey on a positive note.
The squad will report to camp in early October, with the final travelling list set to be confirmed following medical and fitness assessments.
Final Squad:
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, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth.
