Odhiambo, Bajaber and Marcelo dropped as Kenya name squad for World Cup qualifiers

Austine Odhiambo and Eric “Marcelo” Ouma will not be part of Harambee Stars’ squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles, despite the team’s impressive show at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Odhiambo, who scored twice at CHAN to finish as Kenya’s joint-top scorer, has surprisingly been left out by coach Benni McCarthy. The Gor Mahia star also missed the quarter-final defeat to Madagascar, where Kenya struggled to create chances in attack.

Marcelo, a regular in Kenya’s defence, has also been ruled out. The left back was forced off just six minutes into Raków Częstochowa’s league match against Nieciecza earlier this month and has not recovered in time.

Another absentee is Simba SC’s Mohammed Bajaber, who withdrew from CHAN with injury and is still working his way back to full fitness.

McCarthy has, however, kept faith in most of the players who starred at CHAN, while also welcoming back several internationals based abroad. Captain Michael Olunga headlines the squad, joined by Timothy Ouma, Richard Odada, Collins Sichenje, and goalkeeper Brian Bwire.

There is also a maiden call-up for 22-year-old Job Ochieng, who has been impressing with Real Sociedad B in Spain.

Kenya currently sits fourth in Group F and face a tall order to qualify for their first ever World Cup, with leaders Ivory Coast already ten points clear.

Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire, Byrne Omondi
Defenders: Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Rooney Onyango, Abud Omar, Lewis Bandi
Midfielders: Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Mansur Okwaro, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Forwards: Emmanuel Osoro, Will Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam