Out in the cold: 24 players dropped by McCarthy for Gambia and Gabon World Cup qualifiers

After Benni McCarthy against Gambia and Gabon, 24 players found themselves left out.

Among them was when he was included in the provisional squad.

Kenya , before returning home to face Gabon at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on March 23, 2025.

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One of the most talked-about exclusions is that of Austine Odhiambo, the Gor Mahia midfielder who has been one of the most consistent performers in the FKF Premier League this season as per

Odhiambo’s ability to control the tempo of the game, create chances and dictate play from midfield made him a favorite for selection, but McCarthy opted to leave him out.

Similarly, Lenkupae, who was seen as an exciting addition to the squad due to his experience with Australia’s Central Coast Mariners, did not make the final cut, despite many hoping he would bring a fresh approach to the Kenyan midfield.

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Defensively, McCarthy has made major changes, dropping Gor Mahia’s Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino, two players who have been instrumental in K’Ogalo’s strong domestic campaign.

Also missing from the final squad are Daniel Sakari from Kenya Police FC and Siraj Mohamed from Bandari FC, suggesting that the coach has chosen a different defensive setup for the qualifiers.

In the goalkeeping department, Tusker FC’s Brian Opondo was left out, which means McCarthy has opted for alternative options between the posts.

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Upfront, several attacking talents such as Eric Balecho from Tusker FC, James Kinyanjui from KCB FC, and Alvin Mang’eni from Kenya Police FC were also axed, indicating that McCarthy is placing his trust in other forwards to lead the line in these must-win games.

The away fixture against Gambia will be a major test, as the Scorpions have shown resilience in past qualifiers and boast a squad that includes experienced European-based players. Playing in Ivory Coast also presents an additional challenge, as the Stars will need to be tactically disciplined to get a positive result.

Returning home to face Gabon at Nyayo Stadium, Kenya will be under pressure to deliver in front of their supporters.

Goalkeepers: Brian Opondo (Tusker FC)

Defenders: Levis Esambe (AFC Leopards SC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Siraj Mohamed (Bandari FC), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia)

Midfielders: William Lenkupae (Central Coast Mariners), Mathias Isogoli (Mara Sugar FC), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards SC), Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Musa Katibi (Kenya Police FC), Apollo Otieno (Dodoma Jiji),  Eric Johanna (UTA Arad)

Forwards: Eric Balecho (Tusker FC), Alvin Mang’eni (Kenya Police FC), Mathew Tegisi (Pamba Jiji), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC)