Harambee Stars provisional squad named for World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Gambia

Harambee Stars provisional squad named for World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Gambia

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Gambia. The squad features a mix of experienced players and fresh talents, with William Lenkupae earning his first call-up. Kenya will kick off their campaign with an away fixture against Gambia before hosting Gabon at Nyayo Stadium.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled his provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Gambia. The squad blends seasoned internationals with emerging talents as Kenya gears up for two crucial fixtures in their qualification bid.

Among the notable inclusions are young prospects Kelly Madada and Andreas Odhiambo, while Central Coast Mariners' William Lenkupae earns his first national team call-up.

Kenya will begin their campaign with an away fixture against Gambia on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Stade Alassane Ouattara in Ivory Coast. The team will then return home to face Gabon at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, March 23, 2025, with kick-off set for 4 PM.

Players are expected to report to camp on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, as preparations begin for the high-stakes encounters.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers
Brian Opondo (Tusker FC), Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Ian Otieno (Richards Bay)

Defenders
Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Siraj Mohamed (Bandari FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Levis Esambe (AFC Leopards SC), Eric Ouma (Raków Częstochowa), Johnstone Omurwa (Kapaz FC), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims), Collins Sichenje (FK Vojvodina), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg FF), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch)

Midfielders
Musa Katibi (Kenya Police FC), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards SC), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Mathia Isogoli (Mara Sugar FC), Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Richard Odada (Dundee United), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Slavia Prague), Apollo Otieno (Dodoma Jiji), Amos Nondi (FC Ararat), Eric Johanna (UTA Arad), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar Khorramabad), Ismail Gonzalez (Mérida AD), William Lenkupae (Central Coast Mariners)

Forwards
Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Alvin Mang’eni (Kenya Police FC), Mohamed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), Eric Balecho (Tusker FC), Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka FC), Elvis Rupia (Singida Blackstars), John Avire (Porto Suez), Jonah Ayunga (St Mirren), Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail)

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