Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has explained the omission of Harambee Stars pair Mohammed Bajaber and Erick Ouma from the team’s squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifier ties.

The tactician has confirmed through an Instagram post this Wednesday, August 25, 2025, that the pair’s absence is injury-related.

According to the coach, Ouma is recovering from an Achilles tendon operation, while Bajaber is yet to recover from the injury that saw him miss the African Nations Championship games.

Austine misses out

The two are part of a long list of absentees that also include Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo

As part of its quest for a maiden World Cup qualification, Kenya is set to host back-to-back clashes at home.

Back-to-back WC ties

The first tie will see the team face off against The Gambia on Friday, September 5, 2025.

In his unveiled team, the coach included nine new players in the team, electing to keep faith with the spine of the team that featured in the biennial competition that Kenya exited at the knockout stages following a penalty kick shootout loss to Madagascar.

Olunga to lead the line

The foreign-based legion is led by talisman Michael Olunga.

The Saudi-based star is joined by Richard Odada, Timothy Ouma, who plies his trade with Slavia Prague, and Duke Abuya of Tanzanian giants Yanga SC.

McCarthy’s offensive line has seen Australian-based Wilson Lenkupae earn a second straight call-up. The Central Coast Mariners attacker marked his national team debut earlier this year after being called by the new Stars coach.

Lenkupae joins Emmanuel Osoro, who recently earned a move to Zambia’s top-tier team Power Dynamos from FC Talanta. Job Ochieng of Real Sociedad B and Boniface Muchiri are among the team’s attack.

Lenkupae was among the goal scorers in Kenya’s last outing in the World Cup qualifiers, netting a goal in Kenya’s thrilling 3-3 draw against The Gambia.

Kenya sits fourth on six points in Group F, ten points behind leaders Ivory Coast with four matches remaining.