Austine Odhiambo returns as McCarthy names final squad for World Cup qualifiers

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his final squad for Kenya’s remaining two FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and the Ivory Coast.

Gor Mahia playmaker Austine Odhiambo, regarded as one of the most creative talents in the SportPesa League, has returned to the squad as Kenya aims to finish its World Cup qualification campaign on a high.

Defender Abud Omar, who was suspended by McCarthy during the qualifier against Seychelles, has also been recalled.

The squad blends experience with emerging talent, including England-based defender Vincent Harper’s first call-up and striker Lawrence Okoth, who impressed with the Kenya U-20 team at the 2025 U-20 AFCON in Egypt, where he scored twice.

While Kenya is out of World Cup contention, it faces Burundi on October 9, 2025, at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura, with kick-off at 4:00 pm East Africa Time (EAT). The campaign concludes against the Ivory Coast on October 14 at Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, with kick-off at 10:00 pm EAT.

The squad will report to camp in early October, with the final travelling list confirmed after medical and fitness checks.

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

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William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri

Strikers

Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth