Austin Odhiambo makes return to Harambee Stars squad for October World Cup Qualifiers

Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo has made a swift return to the Harambee Stars squad set to play two 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast next month.

Odhiambo, 25, was a source of national debate following his omission from the team earlier this month, but has been recalled by coach Benni McCarthy for the last round of qualifying fixtures scheduled for 9 and 14 October.

The notable return comes in the wake of a period of uncertainty in the relationship between Odhiambo and McCarthy, which came to the fore during last month's African Nations Championships (CHAN).

Odhiambo, following a decent return of two goals in the tournament group stages, was left on the bench in the quarterfinal tie against Madagascar, despite the South African head coach making six changes in a match that lasted over 120 minutes.

Asked about dropping the midfielder, McCarthy said the decision was due to "tactical reasons."

Harambee Stars coach gives reason for sidelining Austin Odhiambo against Madagascar

Fast forward to September, the two figures made headlines yet again, as this time McCarthy entirely dropped Odhiambo from his World Cup Qualifying squad, and in a strange moment during the team's first training session, asked the media not to ask him any questions about the Gor Mahia midfielder.

"Before we start please, I do not want any questions about Austin. I am tired," McCarthy said then, further opening a can of worms between the duo.

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A month later, an amicable solution seems to have been found, with the two ready to kickstart another chapter in the national team.

Debut call-up for Okoth as Odada, Osoro are dropped

Meanwhile, McCarthy has handed youthful striker Lawrence Okoth Ouma his maiden call up in the senior set up, following his exploits with the Kenya U20 team.

Okoth, 20, was one of the key players for the Rising Stars at this year's U20 AFCON in Egypt, where he where he netted two goals in the group stage.

The lanky forward earlier this month sealed a two-year move to Finnish top-flight club SJK Seinäjok, and has now been handed a double-boost in his budding career.

MOFA make first big export as fast rising striker seals deal in Finland

In other notable changes in the squad released on Friday, 26 September, unattached midfielder Richard Odada has been omitted from the team, following a lackluster showing against The Gambia on 5 September.

The 24-year-old, who left Dundee United by mutual consent on 1 September, was withdrawn at halftime in the 3-1 defeat at Kasarani Stadium, with McCarthy admitting afterwards that his involvement was "a gamble."

He is not the only one to be excluded in October's squad however, as he joins striker Emmanuel Osoro and defender Lewis Bandi out in the cold.

Harper recall

In another call-up, English-based defender Vincent Harper has earned a recall to the national team, almost two years to his maiden call-up on 5 October 2023.

The 25-year-old left wing back, who holds a dual citizenship (Kenya and England) was first called as Kenya faced Russia in an international friendly, but did not play any minute.

The man born to both Kenyan parents now plies his trade at League Two side Walsall, following a two-season spell at League One side Exeter City.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire

Defenders

Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari

Midfielders

Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo

Wingers

William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri

Strikers

Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth