Kenya’s Harambee Stars have boosted their squad with the inclusion of Poland-based midfielder Timothy Ouma ahead of the September 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles.
Head coach Benni McCarthy has named Ouma among the early call-ups as the national team prepares to build on its encouraging performances at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The matches are scheduled for September 5 and 9 at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
Ouma, who last featured for the Stars in March during qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon, will be looking to cement his place in McCarthy’s starting lineup. On that occasion, he came off the bench in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia before being handed a start in the narrow 2-1 defeat to Gabon.
The 20-year-old midfielder is currently enjoying consistent game time at club level. He joined Polish side Lech Poznań on a season-long loan from Czech giants Slavia Prague, where he had struggled to secure regular minutes since his record-breaking transfer from Swedish club Elfsborg earlier this year. Ouma’s move to Poland has proven timely, with the youngster already making eight appearances in all competitions. These include two league outings and four matches in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, experience that adds valuable depth to Kenya’s midfield.
For Harambee Stars, the qualifiers present an opportunity to make a statement, despite being out of contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup. McCarthy’s men impressed at CHAN 2024, reaching the quarter-finals and showcasing significant progress. The upcoming fixtures offer a chance to maintain momentum, test squad depth, and continue developing a winning mentality.
Ouma’s versatility and creativity in midfield will be a welcome addition as Kenya aims to dominate at home. His recent run of form suggests he could play a more influential role compared to his last national team outing. With a blend of young talent and experienced players, the Harambee Stars are determined to leave a lasting mark in these qualifiers.
Fans will be eager to see whether Ouma can translate his European experience into commanding performances at Kasarani, potentially setting the tone for the team’s future ambitions.
