Photo Credit - Football Kenya Federation.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed his excitement to lead the Kenya national team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.
The 47-year-old South African coach, took over the vacant role two weeks ago after signing a contract that will see him guide the East African nation until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
McCarthy came in as a replacement for Turkish Engin Firat, who had stepped down after his failure to take Harambee Stars to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Kenya finished their group third with leaders Cameroon and second-placed Zimbabwe sealing automatic spots.
Having trained the team for at least a week, McCarthy is confident that Kenya have what it takes to come out with important results.
Photo Credit - FKF Media.
“I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers. I’m eager to work with the talented squad I’ve selected for the campaign. There’s plenty of hard work and dedication ahead, but we’re ready to embrace the challenge as a team,” said McCarthy.
“We just need to get a good result against Gambia and this could spur us on when we return home to host Gabon. It is not lost yet, we still have a chance to quality, it will depend with how the players will respond, but I still believe they have shown great character to fight for the nation.”
On Monday, McCarthy named his final squad for the two matches with Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo, who was named the MVP for the previous season, among those dropped.
Notably, Kenya U20 defender Manzur Okwaro earned a spot in the final squad, while Ismael Gonzalez marking his return after an extended absence. Eric Johana Omondi, Daniel Francis Anyembe, and Richard Odada will join the team in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Kenya will face Gambia on Thursday, March 20, at Stade Allasane Ouattara in Ivory Coast before they return home to host Gabon, on Sunday, March 23, at Nyayo Stadium. Harambee Stars currently sits fourth in the group standings with five points, having secured one win against Seychelles and two draws against Ivory Coast and Burundi.
The winners of each group will directly qualify for the tournament. Additionally, the four best runners-up from the groups will advance to the CAF Play-Off tournament whose winner shall take part in a FIFA Playoff tournament for a chance to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kenya full squad;
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo.
Defenders: Joseph Okumu, Jonstone Omurwa, Brian Mandela, Collins Sichenje, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, Erick Ouma, Manzur Okwaro, Ronny Onyango.
Midfielders: Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Ismael Gonzalez, Timothy Ouma, Eric Johana, Duke Abuya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley Omondi.
Forwards: Michae Olunga, Masud Juma, Jonah Ayunga, Elvis Rupia, and John Avire.
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