Wanyama withdraws from Harambee Stars squad for Chad friendlies, Austin Odhiambo called up

Victor Wanyama,

By Erick Kariuki
Friday, May 30, 2025

Initially named in the squad for the matches scheduled to take place in Morocco on 7 and 10 June, Wanyama has since been excused, citing “personal commitments” in the United Kingdom.

Veteran Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama has withdrawn from the provisional Harambee Stars squad ahead of the upcoming international friendlies against Chad.

Initially named in the squad for the matches scheduled to take place in Morocco on 7 and 10 June, Wanyama has since been excused, citing “personal commitments” in the United Kingdom.

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“Football Kenya Federation can confirm that midfielder Victor Wanyama, who had been named in the provisional Harambee Stars squad for upcoming international friendlies against Chad, will not take part in the matches,” read a statement from FKF.

“Wanyama was set to mark a highly anticipated return to the national team fold, having been included in the squad for the first time since announcing his retirement from international football in 2021. However, due to personal commitments in the United Kingdom, the Dunfermline Athletic FC midfielder has requested to be excused from the two matches,” FKF added.

The development marks a notable change for the national side, as Wanyama who last featured for Kenya during a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros had been recalled by head coach Benni McCarthy.

“Head Coach Benni McCarthy has accepted Wanyama’s request and moved swiftly to fill the gap, handing a call-up to Gor Mahia FC playmaker Austine Odhiambo. Austine has been in fine form in recent FKF Premier League matches this season since returning from injury, and his inclusion adds creative depth to the midfield options available for the two fixtures,” the statement continued.

Wanyama’s reintegration into the squad — following his retirement in September 2021 after a fallout with then-coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee had already sparked mixed reactions within Kenyan football circles. While some viewed the move as a strategic effort to inject experience and leadership into the midfield, others expressed concern over the potential impact on emerging talents.

The midfielder’s previous international tenure came to a premature end after he was stripped of the captaincy during his rift with Mulee. His return had been seen by some as a controversial yet potentially valuable step towards reinforcing the team’s spine.

With Wanyama now unavailable, the mantle falls to Gor Mahia’s Austine Odhiambo. The attacking midfielder, who has shown impressive form in domestic competition, will now have a chance to shine on the international stage.

Despite battling injury setbacks and a dip in form earlier in the season, Odhiambo remains one of the most exciting talents in the country. With nine league goals and several assists to his name, he currently stands as Gor Mahia’s top scorer and a key figure in the FKF Premier League.

The national squad is expected to report to camp on Friday, 2 June, as preparations intensify ahead of the friendlies, which serve as Kenya’s final build-up ahead of the CHAN tournament set for August.