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Brian Ouma
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Odhiambo, who featured only in the opening two matches of Kenyaโs CHAN 2024 campaign before being dropped, was overlooked again in the latest call-up.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy giving instructions to players during a training session at Utalii College, Nairobi. Photo/ Brian Ouma
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has sidestepped questions surrounding Austin Odhiamboโs omission from Kenyaโs squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles, a decision that has drawn speculation among fans.
Speaking during Harambee Starsโ first training session at the Utalii Grounds, Nairobi, McCarthy maintained confidence in the squad he has selected.
Odhiambo, who featured only in the opening two matches of Kenyaโs CHAN 2024 campaign before being dropped, was overlooked again in the latest call-up.
McCarthy instead focused on defending his selection, citing the balance between the local and foreign-based players' call-up process and rallying support for the team.
โThe boys have done incredibly well, and I was very tempted to almost select everybody to the internationals, but I donโt think that would be fair,โ McCarthy explained.
โForeign clubs work hard, expect their players to be selected, so we had to balance the books depending on positions. Unfortunately, we were hampered by quite a few late injuries.โ
Among those sidelined with injuries are winger Jonah Ayunga (St. Mirren FC), Midfielder Amos Nondi (Ararat Armenia), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims), and Eric Marcelo Ouma.
Despite these setbacks, McCarthy remains optimistic about fielding a competitive side ahead of the double header.
โAll the Kenyan players, whether local or abroad, we monitor their progress. In football, surprises happen. Teams like the Ivory Coast and Gabon have been doing well, but anything can change. If you win your remaining matches, you put yourself back in contention. Thatโs why we pick the strongest squad possible.โ
Captain Michael Olunga, who jetted into the country on Monday morning, echoed the coachโs sentiments, promising a spirited fight.
โGambia are a strong team with quality players, but right now the squad is motivated, spirits are high, and fans are gearing up to support us. We want to replicate the good performance from CHAN,โ Olunga stated.
Kenya will host The Gambia on Friday, September 5, before facing Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Both matches are set for 4:00 pm EAT at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The qualifiers are at a critical stage. Africaโs format features home-and-away group games, with winners progressing directly to the World Cup.
The four best runners-up will enter a playoff for a chance to contest FIFAโs intercontinental play-off tournament.
Kenya currently sits fourth in their group with 6 points, behind the Ivory Coast (16), Gabon (15), and Burundi (10). While direct qualification looks slim, McCarthy has rallied the โ12th manโ to back the team as they aim to finish strongly on home soil.
ยฉCitizen Digital, Kenya
Continue reading...
Odhiambo, who featured only in the opening two matches of Kenyaโs CHAN 2024 campaign before being dropped, was overlooked again in the latest call-up.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy giving instructions to players during a training session at Utalii College, Nairobi. Photo/ Brian Ouma
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has sidestepped questions surrounding Austin Odhiamboโs omission from Kenyaโs squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles, a decision that has drawn speculation among fans.
Speaking during Harambee Starsโ first training session at the Utalii Grounds, Nairobi, McCarthy maintained confidence in the squad he has selected.
Odhiambo, who featured only in the opening two matches of Kenyaโs CHAN 2024 campaign before being dropped, was overlooked again in the latest call-up.
McCarthy instead focused on defending his selection, citing the balance between the local and foreign-based players' call-up process and rallying support for the team.
โThe boys have done incredibly well, and I was very tempted to almost select everybody to the internationals, but I donโt think that would be fair,โ McCarthy explained.
โForeign clubs work hard, expect their players to be selected, so we had to balance the books depending on positions. Unfortunately, we were hampered by quite a few late injuries.โ
Among those sidelined with injuries are winger Jonah Ayunga (St. Mirren FC), Midfielder Amos Nondi (Ararat Armenia), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims), and Eric Marcelo Ouma.
Despite these setbacks, McCarthy remains optimistic about fielding a competitive side ahead of the double header.
โAll the Kenyan players, whether local or abroad, we monitor their progress. In football, surprises happen. Teams like the Ivory Coast and Gabon have been doing well, but anything can change. If you win your remaining matches, you put yourself back in contention. Thatโs why we pick the strongest squad possible.โ
Captain Michael Olunga, who jetted into the country on Monday morning, echoed the coachโs sentiments, promising a spirited fight.
โGambia are a strong team with quality players, but right now the squad is motivated, spirits are high, and fans are gearing up to support us. We want to replicate the good performance from CHAN,โ Olunga stated.
Kenya will host The Gambia on Friday, September 5, before facing Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Both matches are set for 4:00 pm EAT at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The qualifiers are at a critical stage. Africaโs format features home-and-away group games, with winners progressing directly to the World Cup.
The four best runners-up will enter a playoff for a chance to contest FIFAโs intercontinental play-off tournament.
Kenya currently sits fourth in their group with 6 points, behind the Ivory Coast (16), Gabon (15), and Burundi (10). While direct qualification looks slim, McCarthy has rallied the โ12th manโ to back the team as they aim to finish strongly on home soil.
ยฉCitizen Digital, Kenya
Continue reading...
