Stars focus shifts to 2026 World Cup qualifiers as Austine left out

Kenya’s focus has shifted back to the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers as Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming matches against The Gambia and Seychelles.

The national team is currently placed fourth in Group F with six points from six games. They have managed one win, three draws, and two losses.

Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast sit comfortably at the top with 16 points, followed by Gabon with 15 and Burundi with 10, leaving Kenya 10 points adrift of the qualification spots.

McCarthy has largely retained the team that impressed at the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan), where Kenya topped a difficult group that had Morocco, Angola, DR Congo and Zambia before falling to Madagascar in the quarter-finals.

That strong run gave fans hope that the Harambee Stars can compete at a high level, even though World Cup qualification remains a huge challenge.

Notably, Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo, who scored twice at Chan and finished as Kenya’s joint-top scorer alongside Ryan Ogam, has been dropped.

Austine did not play in the quarter-final defeat to Madagascar, despite Kenya’s clear lack of creativity in attack. His omission has surprised many.

Also missing from the squad is dependable left back Eric “Marcelo” Ouma. His absence leaves a gap in defence considering his experience, though McCarthy has other options to cover the position.

Simba SC’s new signing Mohammed Bajaber has also not made the squad. The midfielder pulled out of Chan with an injury but has since featured in pre-season games. Despite these absentees, McCarthy has included several foreign-based players, adding both quality and experience.

Captain Michael Olunga leads the attack and will be supported by Timothy Ouma, Richard Odada, Rooney Onyango, Collins Sichenje, and goalkeeper Brian Bwire.

One of the most exciting inclusions is 22-year-old Job Ochieng, who has been called up for the first time. The forward, who plays for Real Sociedad B in Spain, has been rewarded for his recent progress and is seen as one for the future.

Kenya will play The Gambia on September 5 before Seychelles on September 9.