Harambee Stars coach refuses to address Austin Odhiambo’s exclusion from 2026 World Cup Qualifiers squad

• Harambee Stars players reported to their first training camp at Utalii Grounds on Monday, September 1.
• They are preparing for two 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against The Gambia on Friday, September 5, and Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9.
• McCarthy preempted journalists from raising the subject of Austin Odhiambo’s absence, asserting that his sole focus is on the players he has selected.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has declined to answer any questions regarding the omission of Austin Odhiambo from his final 23-man squad currently training for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles.

The majority of the players reported to the training camp at the Utalii Grounds on Monday, September 1, to begin preparations for their first encounter against Gambia.

The match is scheduled for Friday, September 4 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, at 4:00 PM East African Time.

The second clash will be against Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at the same venue.

Coach McCarthy refuses to address Odhiambo’s squad snub

Speaking to the press during the first training session on Monday, the South African international preempted journalists from raising the subject of Austin Odhiambo’s absence. He asserted that his sole focus is on the players he has selected.

Please, even before we start, I do not want to hear any questions regarding Austin Odhiambo. I am tired of them. Kindly let me focus on the players who are here. That will be a question for another day and another time.” McCarthy told the press.

ALSO READ: 3 key players not included in Harambee Stars final squad for World Cup qualifiers

When the former Manchester United first-team coach announced his final squad last week, many headlines highlighted Odhiambo’s absence- a player who impressed during the recently concluded Africa Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), scoring two goals.

However, neither the coach nor Austin has publicly addressed any major concerns surrounding his exclusion.

The coach recalled 13 local players from the CHAN squad, while only 10 overseas-based players were included.

ALSO READ: Austin Odhiambo omitted as 13 CHAN 2024 standouts make Harambee Stars final squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Notable foreign-based players at Monday’s training camp included captain Michael Olunga, Richard Odada, Duke Abuya, Collins Sichenje, goalkeeper Brian Bwire, and Ronney Onyango, among the 20 players present.

Meanwhile, three players are yet to report: Emmanuel Osoro, William Lenkuopae, and Timothy Ouma.

Harambee Stars Final Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers vs. Gambia and Seychelles

Goalkeepers:
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire

Defenders:
Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Aboud Omar, Lewis Bandi

Midfielders:
Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Manzur Suleiman, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley Omondi, Marvin Nabwire

Wingers:
Emmanuel Osoro, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri

Strikers:
Michael Olunga (Captain), Ryan Ogama

Previous World Cup Qualifier Results for Harambee Stars

1. Gabon 2-1 Kenya
2. Seychelles 0-5 Kenya
3. Kenya 1-1 Burundi
4. Kenya 0-0 Ivory Coast
5. The Gambia 3-3 Kenya
6. Kenya 1-2 Gabon