5 Biggest winners & losers as Benni McCarthy names final Harambee Stars squad for Word Cup qualifiers

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has finalized his 25-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia on March 20 and Gabon on March 23.

with notable inclusions and exclusions shaping discussions among football fans and analysts alike.

takes a look at the biggest winners and losers as Benni McCarthy names the final Harambee Stars squad for World Cup qualifiers, as per the list revealed by

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest from Pulse Sports

African footballers have enjoyed massive success on and off the field. While the huge perks is a reward for hard work, some of them own luxurious private jets.

Squad selection for any major tournament is always a delicate balance between experience, form, and tactical fit.

McCarthy’s final squad reflects a

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy finalizes his 25-man squad for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia on March 20 and Gabon on March 23.

is among those who has benefitted from the absence of Harambee Stars’ main stay shot stoppers Patrick Matasi and Bryne Odhiambo.

With only Ian Otieno and Brian Bwire to contend with the former Young Africans goalkeeper has a chance to impress Matasi and stake his claim as Harambee Stars main man between the sticks.

Olympic champion Gabby Thomas explains why she opted for a second job after finding out that there's no enough money on the track.

KCB’s Manzur Okwaro is another big winner of Benni McCarthy’s recent callups.

The young defender presents a unique profile for McCarthy being a rare left-footed center back within the squad.

Continues to be a mainstay within the Kenyan national football team set up.

The right back was among the only five locally based players to receive a callup, higlighting his continued importance to the team.

It has been looking flowery for the former Kakamega Homeboyz player Ben Stanley Omondi.

Since making the big switch to, not only does he find himself embroiled in a title race but he has also become one of the few locally based players to make the cut.

Omondi will certainly be looking to take advantage of the opportunity and stake his claim within the national team set up.

These clubs represent the most followed football teams in Africa, attracting millions of fans through success, legendary players, and deep African connections.

Mohammed Bajaber has torn through the ranks of the FKF Premier League since making the switch from Nairobi City Stars to Kenya Police.

Leading Kenya Police’s title charge Bajaber has rightfully earned his call-up.

The prolific forward will be hoping to replicate his club form and justify McCarthy’s trust.

Another significant talking points stem from the players who did not make the final cut.

A total of 24 players were dropped from the provisional squad, with some omissions proving to be particularly surprising.

Tusker striker Ryan Ogam chose to honour Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars call-up but his club is not happy with him over a number of reasons.

5. William Lenkupae

Among the most notable absentees is Australian-born midfielder William Lenkupae.

Having garnered significant attention upon his initial call-up, his exclusion has left fans questioning the rationale behind McCarthy’s decision.

The Gor Mahia defender has been in excellent form recently finally finding his footing as K’Ogalo gun for 22nd record-tending title.

Key at the heart of defense alongside teammate Alphonce Omija the pair omission come as a big suprise givent their chemistry that could have translated well at the back for Harambee Stars.

Johnathan McKinstry explains how Harambee Stars played under previous coaches and what to expect from new tactician Benni McCarthy.

Another Gor Mahia defender who failed to make the cut is Alphonce Omija.

The defender with a knack for goals ahs most recently come up clutch for the defending champions, expecially when their lacked goals during Austine Odhiambo’s absence.

The FKF Premier League top scorer Ryan Ogam is another surprise absentee.

this was not enough to convince McCarthy.

The Tusker forward has however been on a recent goal drought that he is hoping to break duck.

Here is everything you need to know about the goalkeepers called up to Harambee Stars by Benni McCarthy. Who deserves to start against The Gambia and Gabon?

Another shocking omission is Austin Odhiambo, the reigning FKFPL Most Valuable Player.

Despite his stellar performances for Gor Mahia, he has been left out, a move that is likely to spark debate regarding the selection criteria used by McCarthy.

This trend suggests that recent club form alone may not have been a decisive factor in the coach’s selection process.

Instead, McCarthy appears to have prioritized experience and tactical balance over domestic league performances, possibly in an effort to craft a squad best suited for the upcoming high-stakes matches.

With the final squad in place, the Harambee Stars have been in camp since March 12, 2025, preparing for their crucial fixtures.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy will take on The Gambia in his first match but the tiny West African country has some things that give them an edge over Kenya.

on March 20 at Stade Alassane Ouattara in Ivory Coast. This away fixture presents a formidable challenge, as Gambia has recently established itself as a tough opponent on the international stage.

Following the match against Gambia, Kenya will return home to face Gabon at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on March 23.