Harambee Stars to depart for Ivory Coast on Tuesday

Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy has named a 25 man squad that will travel to the Ivory Coast Tuesday to face Gambia in 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Stars Coach last week named a 48 man squad to join camp ahead of their qualifying clash versus the Gambia on Thursday in Abidjan.

However he has cut the squad down to 25 who will be on the plane to West Africa.

Michael Olunga will lead the team from the front. The Qatari based striker will be joined by Elvis Rupia and John Avire, with Masuud Juma also making the final cut.

In goal, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, and Farouk Shikhalo will travel.

At the back, Joseph Okumu, Brian Mandela, Erick Ouma, and Collins Shichenje are notable names.

In midfield, the experienced Anthony Akumu will be on the plane as are Mohammed Bajaber and Duke Abuya.

Kenya is currently fourth in Group F of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup to be held in the Americas (US, Canada, Mexico).

They have 5 points with the Ivory Coast leading the way with 10 points. All teams have played 4 matches each.

Gabon, who Kenya face in Nairobi over the weekend have 9 points, with Burundi on 7. The Gambia and Seychelles have three and no points respectively.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo

Defenders: Joseph Okumu, Jonstone Omurwa, Brian Mandela, Collins Sichenje, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, Erick Ouma, Manzur Okwaro, Ronny Onyango

Midfielders: Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Ismael Gonzalez, Timothy Ouma, Eric Johana, Duke Abuya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley Omondi

Forwards: Masud Juma, Jonah Ayunga, Elvis Rupia, John Avire, Michael Olunga