Blow for Harambee Stars as key defender is ruled out ahead of FIFA Series
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 16.03.26. | 11:58
Since McCarthy took charge, Owino has grown into an important figure for the national team, featuring in CHAN assignments, World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies
Benni McCarthy will be forced to reshuffle his defensive plans after Sylvester Owino was ruled out for six weeks, following the injury he sustained during Gor Mahia’s 3-1 win over Ulinzi Stars on Sunday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The centre back went down midway through the first half and required medical attention before being stretchered off and rushed to the hospital.
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Michael Kibwage came on to replace him and partnered at the heart of defence for the remainder of the match.
“We have a sub… Mike Kibwage comes in for Sylvester Owino, who has just been injured and stretchered out. Game on,” read an update from Gor Mahia during the match.
Initial fears over the severity of the injury were confirmed later after the player underwent medical tests.
According to Gor Mahia team doctor Brian Odongo, scans revealed a muscle tear.
“He was referred for further evaluation, where an MRI confirmed a partial tear of the lower medial gastrocnemius muscle belly,” Odongo stated.
The defender is now expected to begin a period of medication and rest, followed by a structured rehabilitation programme.
“He is expected to be out for six weeks before returning to play, subject to his recovery progress,” the doctor added.
The injury means Owino will miss Harambee Stars’ upcoming FIFA Series matches scheduled for later this month in Kigali.
His absence will further stretch Kenya’s defensive options.
Collins Sichenje remains sidelined with an injury, while assistant captain Joseph Okumu is also unavailable.
Denmark-based defender Daniel Anyembe was not included in the squad.
With limited time before the tournament begins, McCarthy may now have to consider local alternatives.
Kibwage, who has been part of Kenya’s recent African Nations Championship preparations, could emerge as one of the options.
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Since McCarthy took charge, Owino has grown into an important figure for the national team, featuring in CHAN assignments, World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies.
His absence will therefore be a significant blow to Kenya’s defensive setup ahead of the upcoming matches in Rwanda.
For Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor, the injury also comes at a crucial point of the season.
“It is a big blow to us, more so at this crucial stage of the season,” Akonnor admitted.
However, the coach struck a resilient tone, insisting the team would cope.
“We will have to find a way on how to navigate with the available players because they are equal to the task. We just hope no setback again in terms of injuries.”
With Owino sidelined, the responsibility of anchoring the Gor Mahia defence is expected to fall on Frank Odhiambo and Kibwage as the club looks to maintain its title charge.
Harambee Stars FIFA series 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 (UTA Arad), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Manzur Suleiman (Stade de Reims)
Attackers
Austine Odhiambo (Nejmeh), William Lenkupae (Unattached), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad B), Mohammed Bajaber (Simba SC), Zech Obiero (Tranmere Rovers), Clarke Oduor (Grimsby Town), Michael Olunga (Al Arabi), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger AC), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinäjoki)
Fixtures
Kenya vs Estonia
March 27 | 6 PM | Amahoro Stadium
Winner M1 vs Winner M2
March 30 | 9 PM | Amahoro Stadium
Loser M1 vs Loser M2
March 30 | 6 PM | Amahoro Stadium