Benni McCarthy Names Final Kenya Squad For October World Cup Qualifiers

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has released his final squad for the Harambee Stars’ closing fixtures in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Harambee Stars will face Burundi and Ivory Coast away from home.

The 24-man list is a mix of established names and emerging talent.

England-based defender Vincent Harper earns a call-up.

Benni McCarthy has promoted young striker Lawrence Okoth from the U20 side after his standout performance at the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt, where he scored twice in the group stages.

Kenya will first travel to Bujumbura to take on Burundi at the Intwari Stadium on Thursday, October 9.

Before heading to Abidjan for their final game against reigning AFCON champions Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Tuesday, October 14.

McCarthy’s side currently sit 5th in the group with nine points.

And will be aiming to finish their campaign on a high note.

Their recent form has been mixed, bouncing back from a 3–1 home defeat to Gambia with a commanding 5–0 victory over Seychelles.

The squad will assemble in early October for camp. And the coaches will finalize the traveling party after medical and fitness checks.

Final squad:

Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire

Defenders: Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari

Midfielders: Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo

Wingers: William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri

Strikers: Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth