Harambee Stars set to miss key defensive duo against Seychelles
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 09.09.25. | 07:20
McCarthy, who guided Harambee Stars to a quarter-final finish at CHAN 2024, expressed confidence in the depth of his squad and reiterated his commitment to creating a competitive environment
Harambee Stars will face Seychelles in their eighth 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier without two key defenders in Gor Mahia’s Alphonce Omija and 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) captain Abuod Omar.
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Head coach Benni McCarthy confirmed on Monday that the squad is largely injury-free but will miss the duo for Tuesday’s clash at Kasarani Stadium.
Omija has been released from the national team camp to finalise a transfer to Tunisian giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel.
The 22-year-old, one of Kenya’s standout players at CHAN 2024, departed on Sunday to undergo medical tests ahead of his prospective move.
“We had one player leave the camp, but I approved it because it was a great opportunity for him. The transfer window was closing, and if he didn’t complete the medical in time, he would have lost the move,” McCarthy said.
“From what this player did at CHAN, it was only right to allow him to take that step. It’s a very good Tunisian side, and he deserves it.”
Omija, who rejoined Gor Mahia from Oman’s Dhofar SC in June 2024, impressed in his return season and rose to prominence after a standout debut for Kenya against the Ivory Coast in Malawi.
Meanwhile, Kenya Police FC defender Omar will miss the match through suspension, having accumulated two yellow cards.
The left back picked one against Gabon in November 2023 and another in last Friday’s win over The Gambia.
“So far, we have been fortunate; no player has picked up an injury,” McCarthy added. “Our only concern is Omar’s suspension. Everyone else is fit and ready to go.”
McCarthy, at the same time, praised Omija’s development and the chance for him to elevate his career:
The former Bafana Bafana forward, who guided Harambee Stars to a quarter-final finish at CHAN 2024, expressed confidence in the depth of his squad and reiterated his commitment to creating a competitive environment.
“When you play football, you have the ambition to reach the highest level one day. You work hard every single day to get there.
Then, when you find yourself working with a coach or technical team that helps you elevate even further, it’s incredibly rewarding,” he said.
“Being able to make a player better, to change his life for himself and his family by giving him the opportunity and platform to reach a higher level and even go abroad, is priceless.”
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