Kenya Announces Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Against Burundi and Ivory Coast
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.
Vincent Harper earns maiden call as McCarthy names Kenya squad for World Cup qualifiers...
Benni McCarthy, the head coach of Kenya's national team, Harambee Stars, has announced a 24-man squad for the final two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast. The team will face Burundi on October 9 at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura, followed by a match against Ivory Coast on October 14 at Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
Kenya currently sits fifth in Group F of the qualifiers with nine points, accumulated from two wins, three draws, and three defeats. They trail leaders Ivory Coast, who have 20 points, and Gabon, who have 19 points.
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
Vincent Harper Earns Maiden Call-up to Kenya's National Team
England-based defender Vincent Harper has received his first call-up to the Kenyan national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Harper, a left-back for EFL League Two side Walsall, was born in Nairobi and holds dual citizenship. This addition brings fresh talent to the team as they aim to make a strong impression in their final qualifying matches.
Lawrence Okoth, a talented young striker, has been included in the squad after impressing with Kenya's U20 side at the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt. Okoth plays for SJK Seinäjoki in Finland's top-tier league, having joined from the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA). He made history by becoming the first Kenyan to score at the U20 AFCON, netting a goal against Morocco.
The goalkeeping lineup features three experienced players: Faruk Shikhalo of Bandari FC, Brian Bwire from Polokwane City, and Byrne Omondi from Gor Mahia.
The defensive unit comprises nine players, including:
Defenders:
Central Defenders:
- Manzur Okwaro from Nairobi United
- Sylvester Owijno from Gor Mahia
- Collins Sichenje from Vojvodina
- Michael Kibwage from Gor Mahia
Full-Backs:
- Vincent Harper, a left-back from Walsall who earned his maiden call-up
- Alphonse Omjia from E.S. Du Sahel
- Ronney Onyango from Sogndal
- Abud Omar from Kenya Police
- Daniel Sakari from Kenya Police
These players will join forces to help Kenya finish their World Cup qualifying campaign on a high note.
Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo has regained his spot in the Kenyan national team squad after being dropped for the Gambia and Seychelles qualifiers. He had a standout performance during the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), helping Kenya reach the knockout stages in their debut campaign.
Kenya is currently ranked fifth in Group F of the World Cup qualifiers with nine points. They've secured two wins, three draws, and three defeats so far. The team trails behind leaders Ivory Coast, who top the group with 20 points, while Gabon follows closely with 19 points. Kenya is 11 points behind the top spot.
Upcoming Matches:
- Kenya vs Burundi: October 9, 2025, at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura, Burundi (4 pm EAT)
- Ivory Coast vs Kenya: October 14, 2025, at Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast (10 pm EAT)
The Harambee Stars aim to conclude their qualification journey on a high note, with coach Benni McCarthy emphasizing the importance of these final matches.
Coach Benni McCarthy has named the squad for our final 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 26, 2025
October 9 – Burundi 🇧🇮
October 14– Ivory Coast 🇨🇮#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/DcJEE9U7hC
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.
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