Stars squad for Gambian WC qualifier named
A couple of big omissions that have had social media light up as McCarthy names majority foreign-based players
Harambee Stars technical bench has named a 25 man list for the forthcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Gambia this Thursday away in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
New coach Benedict “Benni” McCarthy,47, has raised eyebrows by naming majority of foreign based players for this important assignment. Only three players in his traveling squad are local based – Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari), Mohamed Bajaber (Kenya Police) and Ben Stanley Omondi (Gor Mahia).
The team has been training for the past week at the Ulinzi Complex in Nairobi with Coach McCarthy and Football Development Director Francis Kimanzi mostly with a couple of local players.
A couple of big omissions that have had social media light up is Gor Mahia’s star attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo, Kenya Police offensive player Kenneth Muguna, Tusker FC forward Ryan Ogam and Kariobangi Sharks star player Humphrey Aroko amongst others.
His camp was limited to few players who did not make it due to conflicting schedules with the league. As such the former Manchester United forwards coach made do with the already active foreign-based players who will be available during the international break.
In his team are new call ups and returning veterans in what is seen as a fine mix of youthful and experience ahead of the duel with the West African nation which is currently being handled by ex-Gor Mahia tactician Jonathan McKinstry.
The Stars will be led by Qatari based striker Michael Olunga who has been on a hot streak in both the domestic league and Asian Cup.
The named squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire and Faruk Shikhalo.
Defenders: Joseph Okumu (Centre Back), Johnstone Omurwa (Centre Back), Brian Mandela (Centre Back), Collins Sichenje (Centre Back), Daniel Anyembe (Right Back), Amos Nondi (Right Back), Erick Ouma (Left Back), Manzur Okwaro (Left Back) and Rooney Onyango (Right Back).
Midfielders: Anthony Akumu (Central Defensive Midfielder), Richard Odada (Central Defensive Midfielder), Ismael Gonzalez (Central Defensive Midfielder), Timothy Ouma (Attacking Midfielder), Eric Johanna (Attacking Midfielder), Duke Abuya (Attacking Midfielder), Mohammed Bajaber (Attacking Midfielder) and Ben Stanley Omondi (Attacking Midfielder).
Forwards: Masud Juma, Jonah Ayunga, Elvis Rupia, John Avire and Michael Olunga.
