Benni McCarthy, Kenya national team coach, on Monday unveiled his final 23-man squad for this month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Afrosport reports.
McCarthy, who was appointed earlier this month as head coach of the Harambee Stars, has trimmed his initial 48-man squad to 23 players to face Gambia and Gabon, respectively.
The South African has named three goalkeepers, seven defenders, eight midfielders, and five forwards in his first-ever squad as Kenya boss.
McCarthy has gone with goalkeepers Ian Otieno and Brian Bwire, and defenders Jonestone Omurwa, Brian Mandela, and Daniel Anyembe. In midfield, he has called upon Anthony Akumu and Richard Odada, while captain Michael Olunga leads the list of invited forwards.
#HarambeeStars travelling squad for the world Cup qualifier match against Gambia. pic.twitter.com/vF4i613aEU
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) March 17, 2025
The Harambee Stars, fourth in Group F with five points, sit five points behind leaders Ivory Coast.
Kenya faces the Gambia on Thursday, 20 March, at Stade Alassane Ouattara in Ivory Coast before hosting Gabon at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi three days later.
Final 23-man Kenya squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Richards Bay), Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City).
Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Kapaz fc), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg FF), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Erick Ouma (Raków Częstochowa), Manzur Okwaro (KCB Football), Ronny Onyango (Gor Mahia).
Midfielders: Anthony Akumu (Kheybar Khorramabad), Richard Odada (Dundee United), Ismael Gonzalez (Merida AD), Timothy Ouma (Slavia Prague), Eric Johanna (UTA Arad), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Mohamed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC).
Forwards: Masud Juma (Esteghlal FC), Jonah Ayunga (St Mirren), Elvis Rupia (Singida Blackstars), John Avire (Porto Suez), Michael Olunga (Al – Duhail).
