7 notable omissions from Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars latest squad

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy was heavily criticised last week, after snubbing several players ahead of the upcoming FIFA series scheduled to run between 23 and 31 March.

McCarthy named his final squad for the assignments last Friday, with the absence of some players raising questions.

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The FIFA series is part of the country's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will be co-hosting alongside neighbors Tanzania and Uganda.

The tournament will feature eight teams: hosts Rwanda, Tanzania, Estonia, Aruba, Liechtenstein, Grenada, Macau and Kenya.

Harambee Stars are in Pool A alongside Rwanda, Estonia and Grenada.

As expected, the squad has elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans across the globe, especially after some on-form players missed out in the 23-man list.

Moses Shummah

The forward is undoubtedly the most in-form Kenyan striker across the globe, having banged 14 league goals for his Zambian side, Power Dynamos.

The former Kakamega Homeboyz man has had a great start to life in the Zambian league since joining the club in July 2025.

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Having proven himself in the local scene, including winning the 2024/25 FKF Premier League 'Golden Boot', the 23-year-old has increased his value and proven his pedigree in a foreign land.

With captain Michael Olunga struggling with injury and Ryan Ogam struggling to catch pace with life in Austria, Kenyans were hoping that Shumah would get the nod.

Joe Waithira

Murang'a Seal attacking midfielder Joe Waitjira, popularly referred to as King Joe, has been on top of his game in the Kenyan top-tier.

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He is currently the leading FKF Premier League goalscorer with 15 goals so far, six more than his closest rival, Paul Okoth of Ulinzi Stars.

The former Sofapaka man will perhaps have to work extra hard in order to impress McCarthy who does not prefer him, at least for this tournament.

Humphrey Aroko

Were it not for Aroko's form, Kariobangi Sharks would probably be on a sure journey to the second tier.

While Sharks are still in the relegation matrix, they have Aroko to thank for their current position and glimpse of hope this season.

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The teenager has been phenomenal for the William Muluya-coached side and has scored seven of the 15 goals Sharks have scored in the league this season.

Additionally, the Rising Stars midfielder is currently the leading goal scorer of the Mozzart Bet Cup with six goals to his name.

Tyson Otieno

AFC Leopards have generally performed better this season, as compared to recent years, and are in the title race alongside Gor Mahia and Shabana.

Leopards have especially been on form since December when coach Fred Ambani made changes to the starting 11, including the introduction of Tyson Otieno.

Otieno’s talent had never been in doubt.

The former Police midfielder had been the creative force behind AFC Leopards and fans were frustrated not to see his name in a list that had no Leopards player.

Paul Ochuoga

Gor Mahia’s Ochuoga is one of their best players this season and a top contender for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Having been an understudy for few seasons, the youth team graduate has grown into a dependable player, both in defense and attack, reducing Harambee Stars defender Lewis Bandi to a fringe player.

Despite being a defender, Ochuoga has registered five assists, the highest at the club this season.

Daniel Anyembe

Arguably Kenya’s best right back, Denmark-based Anyembe has been a key figure in the Harambee Stars squad in recent past, putting in solid performances both at right back and in central defense.

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He will, however, wait longer to earn his first minutes under McCarthy.

Antony Akumu

The former Gor Mahia man is perhaps the longest-serving player in recent Harambee Stars squads.

McCarthy himself had only kind words for Akumi’s quality and dependence in the team, and his exclusion came as a surprise to many.

HARAMBEE STARS SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno

Defenders

Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Zak Vyner (Wrexham), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police)

Midfielders

Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Richard Odada (FC Uta Arad), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Manzur Suleiman (Stade De Reims)

Attackers

Austine Odhiambo (Nejmeh), William Lenkupae (Unattached), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Mohammed Bajaber (Simba FC), Zech Obiero (Tranmere Rovers), Clarke Oduor (Grimsby Town), Michael Olunga (Al Arabi), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki).