Harambee Stars' October World Cup Qualifiers Lineup Featuring Austin Odhiambo, Michael Olunga, & Ryan Ogam

Harambee Stars’ October World Cup Qualifiers Lineup Featuring Austin Odhiambo, Michael Olunga, & Ryan Ogam

Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has named its 24-man squad for the final two fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for October. The announcement is marked by the return of Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo, as well as the inclusion of fresh faces and foreign-based talent.

Recall and Fresh Faces

The return of Odhiambo, omitted in the previous qualifying window against Gambia and Seychelles, is one of the headline moves by head coach Benni McCarthy. Odhiambo had shone during Kenya’s campaign at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), and his reinstatement is seen as an attempt to inject more experience and midfield depth.

Another notable new inclusion is England-based defender Vincent Harper, who earns his first full senior call-up. Striker Lawrence Okoth also makes the leap from U20 to senior level, following an impressive showing at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he scored twice.

At the same time, McCarthy has dropped a few from previous squads, including defender Lewis Bandi, midfielder Richard Odada, and winger Emmanuel Osoro.

Fixtures, Objectives & Context

Kenya will first travel to face Burundi on October 9, 2025, at Intwari Stadium, with a kickoff at 4:00 PM EAT. The campaign ends on October 14, 2025, in Ivory Coast, with a night match at Alassane Ouattara Stadium scheduled for 10:00 PM EAT. While Kenya has been mathematically eliminated from qualification, McCarthy and his squad remain intent on finishing on a high note and gaining valuable FIFA ranking points.

At present, Harambee Stars sit fifth in Group F with 9 points. The squad is expected to report to camp in early October, with the final travelling list subject to fitness and medical checks.

The 24-Man Squad for the October World Cup Qualifiers

Below is the roster named by McCarthy:

• 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: William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
• Strikers: Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth

Veteran forward Michael Olunga remains the lynchpin up front, supported by Ogam and the newcomer Okoth.

What It Means & What to Watch

• Balance of continuity and fresh blood: McCarthy retains much of his CHAN-era core but is not shy about injecting new talents like Harper and Okoth.
• Midfield reinforcement: Odhiambo’s return could bolster Kenya’s control and provide a creative spark in the center.
• Learning opportunities: Even though qualification is out of reach, these last matches offer younger players a platform to stake a claim ahead of future campaigns.
• FIFA ranking points: Positive results, especially against higher-ranked sides like Ivory Coast, may still help Kenya improve its international standing.

As Harambee Stars prepare for their final outings in this cycle, attention will shift to how the squad gels, how the new call-ups perform, and whether McCarthy can finish the campaign on a memorable note.