Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has firmly responded to the backlash over his World Cup qualifiers squad, defending his choices and welcoming midfielder Austine Odhiambo back into the fold. The fiery response came after a fan suggested they would boycott Kenya’s World Cup qualifier matches if Odhiambo was left out again.
The squad announcement for Kenya’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast has generated intense debate, with some fans voicing disappointment over the exclusion of certain players. McCarthy took to Instagram to defend his selection, stating that he was unfazed by the criticism, directly addressing one critic with a sharp comment: “We would not have missed you anyway.”
Odhiambo, a standout performer for the Harambee Stars during the CHAN tournament, had previously been left out of McCarthy’s squad for the qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles. His absence raised eyebrows, especially after being benched in the CHAN quarter-final loss to Madagascar, despite the availability of all six substitutions. However, McCarthy has now included Odhiambo in the squad for the final two qualifying fixtures, signaling a boost for Kenya’s midfield.
Alongside Odhiambo, the squad features some new faces, including defender Daniel Sakari and striker Lawrence Okoth. Sakari returns after missing the last round of fixtures, while Okoth earns his first call-up following a strong performance at the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt, where he netted twice. Europe-based defender Vincent Harper also receives his maiden senior call-up, adding depth to Kenya’s defense.
McCarthy’s squad announcement comes after a series of inconsistent performances from the Harambee Stars, who are now playing for pride after a 3-1 defeat to Gambia dashed any hopes of World Cup qualification. Despite the setback, McCarthy’s team bounced back with a convincing win over Seychelles, setting up what could be a morale-boosting finish to the campaign.
The return of Odhiambo is seen as a key factor for Kenya as they aim to finish the qualifiers on a high note. His creativity and playmaking ability will be crucial in breaking down tough opposition, particularly in the upcoming fixtures against Burundi on October 9 and Ivory Coast on October 11.
Fans are hopeful that Odhiambo can replicate his standout performances from the CHAN tournament and help lead the Harambee Stars to a strong finish in the World Cup qualifiers.
