Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is targeting six points in their remaining FIFA World Cup qualifiers, when they take on Burundi and the Ivory Coast in consecutive matches this week.
The Harambee Stars jetted out to Burundi Tuesday, for a meeting with their hosts Thursday 9 October 2025 at the Prince Loius Rwagasore Stadium in Bujumbura as they seek a winning end to what have largely been disappointing qualifiers.
Burundi have 10 points, one more than the Harambee Stars. Kick off will be at 4 PM East African time.
On Tuesday, 14 October, the Harambee Stars will then take on the Ivorians at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Abidjan to close out their qualifying campaign.
Currently, the Ivorians top group F with 20 points and are favourites to qualify for the World Cup next year in the US, Canada and Mexico.
McCarthy, says that despite the fact his side cannot qualify for the World Cup, he will be eyeing victory to boost his own side's hopes of one day making a major tournament like the World Cup.
He says that none of their opponents should expect favours from them.
"If Ivory Coast are hoping to qualify for the World Cup, they better be ready to fight. We are going for a win. This is an important test for us and we are looking forward to it, he said during a Harambee Stars training session at Police Sacco Stadium.
He said that he was prepared to take on Burundi, who he believes to be a formidable opponent laced with plenty of unpredictability.
"The Burundi team is also one to watch but we have studied them closely and have a plan for how to face them, he added.
The Stars have already arrived in Burundi for the clash.
McCarthy unveiled his final squad for Kenya’s final two FIFA World Cup qualifier fixtures against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Both matches will be played away, marking the conclusion of the Harambee Stars’ qualification campaign.
The squad blends experience with fresh talent. England-based defender Vincent Harper joins the team while striker Lawrence Okoth steps up from the junior ranks after impressing with the Kenya U20 side at the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt, where he netted two goals in the group stage.
Kenya will first face Burundi on October 9, 2025, at Intwari Stadium with kick off set for 4PM EAT, before wrapping up their campaign against Ivory Coast on October 14, 2025, kicking off at 10PM EAT, at Alassane Outtara Stadium.
Currently sitting 5th in the group with 9 points, the Harambee Stars will be looking to finish their qualification journey on a positive note. The squad will report to camp in early October, with the final travelling list set to be confirmed following medical and fitness assessments.
Final Squad
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Wingers
William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
Strikers
Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth