Harambee Stars will take to the pitch at Moi International Kasarani this Friday, September 5, 2025, for a crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier clash against the Gambia starting at 4:00pm.

The tie comes as Benni McCarthy focuses on the global showpiece after featuring in the concluded CHAN games.

The tie will see McCarthy eyeing to get one over John McKinstry following a thrilling 3-3 draw in matchday five on Thursday, March 20.

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

CHAN stars to dominate

Stars head into the clash amid a growing optimism from the team that made a fine run in the concluded 2024 African Nations Championship and as such, the coach is expected to name a team with the CHAN players prominently.

Timothy Ouma, who plies his trade with Lech Poznan on loan from Slavia Prague, is likely to feature in a crowded midfield alongside CHAN mainstays Mansur Okwaro and Alpha Onyango.

Midfield options

Ouma is likely to get the nod ahead of the likes of Duke Abuya who is yet to get his season under way in Tanzania with Yanga SC.

Ouma, who recently helped his loan team to the Europa Conference League phase stage, appears to have a slight edge over Richard Odada, who has seen little playtime in Europe recently.

On the attacking arsenal, McCarthy is certain to maintain his normal offensive power, led by Michael Olunga, who will be chasing to close in on Harambee Stars’ all-time scoring charts.

He is likely to be joined by immediate former Tusker poacher, Ryan Ogam. The striker has proven to be a reliable goal outlet in the concluded CHAN games as well as being a surprise revelation under coach McCarthy.

Olunga to lead the line

Wilson Lenkupae, who earned his debut after McCarthy’s arrival in Kenya back in March, is also among those expected to start.

The Australian star of Central Coast Mariners could feature on the flanks, with Ogam joining the attack on the other end.

Boniface Muchiri will provide the auxiliary roles from the substitute bench alongside Job Ochieng

Starting X1: Bryne  Omondi, Rooney Onyango,  Abud Omar, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Mansur Okwaro, Timothy Ouma, Alpha Onyango, Michael Olunga, Wilson Lenkupae, Ryan Ogam

Substitutes: Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikalo, Alphonce Omija, Ronald Sichenje, Ben Stanley Omondi, Boniface Muchiri, Richard Odada Marvin Nabwire, Job Ochieng,