Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy names squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon
Kenya will be looking to strengthen their qualification bid with positive results in these two crucial fixtures.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named a 23-man squad for Kenya’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.
The national team will first face Gambia on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Stade Alassane Ouattara in Ivory Coast. They will then return home to take on Gabon at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, March 23, 2025, with kickoff set for 4 PM.
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Expressing his enthusiasm ahead of the crucial fixtures, McCarthy stated,“I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers. I’m eager to work with the talented squad I’ve selected for this campaign. There’s plenty of hard work and dedication ahead, but we’re ready to embrace the challenge as a team.”
Harambee Stars line up before the game against Namibia at the Orlando Stadium in South Africa (Photo.COSAFA Media)
Squad Highlights
Among the notable inclusions is U20 defender Manzur Okwaro, earning his first senior call-up. Ismael Gonzalez makes a return to the squad after an extended absence, while Eric Johana Omondi, Daniel Anyembe, and Richard Odada are set to join the team in Abidjan.
Kenya’s Current Standing
Harambee Stars currently sit fourth in their group with five points, following a victory over Seychelles and draws against Ivory Coast and Burundi. Group leader Ivory Coast topswith 10 points.
The group winners will secure direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the four best runners-up will advance to the CAF Play-Off tournament, where the winner will compete in a FIFA Playoff tournament for a final qualification spot.
Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno
Brian Bwire
Faruk Shikhalo
Defenders
Jonestone Omurwa
Brian Mandela
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
Masud Juma
Jonah Ayunga
Elvis Rupia
John Avire
Michael Olunga
Kenya will be looking to strengthen their qualification bid with positive results in these two crucial fixtures.
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