Coach Benni McCarthy has this Wednesday, August 25, 2025, unveiled the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifier games set to start during the upcoming international break as form.

In a move aimed at building on Harambee Stars’ fine outing during the CHAN games, the SA tactician has 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.

Among the new faces is South African-based Brian Bwire of Polokwane City. The custodian joins a goalkeeping union consisting of Faruk Shikalo and Bryne Omondi, both of whom formed part of Kenya’s team for the local-based Stars games.

In defence, Collins Sichenje of AFC Leopards and Norway-based right back Rooney Onyango have been called up. The two will form a defensive team that also has the Gor Mahia trio of Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, and Mike Kibwage.

The Abud Omar has also been retained.

Olunga to lead the line

Meanwhile, the foreign-based contingent is led by Harambee Stars 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.

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.

The tie comes after coach McCarthy marked his debut in a thrilling 3-3 draw in a thrilling matchday five on Thursday, March 20.

Kenya will then face Seychelles four days later on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Both ties will be staged at the Moi International Kasarani, with optimism reigning high from the team’s exploits in the ongoing African Nations Championship.