Thirteen players from the recent African Nations Championships (CHAN) 2024 squad that represented Kenya have made it to the Harambee Stars 23-man squad that will battle Gambia and Seychelles in the World Cup qualifiers next month.
This is after Harambee Stars Head Coach Benni McCarthy named a provisional squad, highlighting a strategic shift toward homegrown players as Kenya aims to keep its World Cup dreams alive.
The Stars will face Gambia on September 5 and Seychelles on September 9 at Kasarani Stadium. Currently fourth in Group F with six points, Kenya must win both home games to revive their qualification hopes.
McCarthy’s selection rewards players who excelled during Kenya’s CHAN campaign, including defender and CHAN captain Abud Omar, creative midfielder Alpha Onyango, and forwards Boniface Muchiri and Ryan Ogam.
Their inclusion provides tactical continuity and chemistry built during domestic competitions.
The squad, however, has left many fans in shock after notable omissions of some Harambee Stars standout performers at the tournament, especially Gor Mahia’s Austine Odhiambo and Daniel Sakari, with the coach yet to offer any clarification for his decision, whether it was based on tactical considerations for the specific opponents or any other specific reason.
The CHAN contingent is blended with experienced foreign-based professionals like Captain Michael Olunga and Timothy Ouma, creating a balanced squad capable of handling the pressure of must-win matches.
Other players who have made it to the squad are Bryne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, and Brian Bwire as goalkeepers, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collince Sichenje, and Lewis Bandi as defenders.
Richard Odada, Duke Abuya, Mansour Akwaro, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire have been called for midfield, while Captain Michael Olunga, Emmanuel Osoro, Will Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Ryan Ogam, and Job Ochieng will play as forwards.
With Kenya’s World Cup hopes hanging in the balance, McCarthy’s reliance on CHAN graduates signals both immediate ambition and long-term planning.
