Okumu, who featured for Stade Reims on Sunday and played the full match, is notably absent from the 23-man travelling squad for their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Gambia.
Joseph Okumu is one of the most notable omissions from the Harambee Stars squad set to travel to Ivory Coast for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Gambia.
The Stade Reims defender, who played the full 90 minutes in his club’s goalless Ligue 1 draw against Brest on Sunday, was expected to be part of the final travelling party but has surprisingly been left out.
Another unexpected exclusion is Serbian-based defender Collins Sichenje, who had initially been named in the 25-man squad that was narrowed down to 23.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy finalizes his 23-man squad for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia on March 20 and Gabon on March 23.
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His absence, along with Okumu’s, leaves Kenya’s defensive setup with significant changes ahead of two vital qualifiers.
Sichenje, who plays for Serbian outfit Vojvodina, had to besubbed off midway through the first half after suffering an injury during their 3-1 loss to Richard Odada’s OFK Beograd.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy confirmed his final selection for the matches against Gambia and Gabon, with notable inclusions such as U20 defender Manzur Okwaro and the returning Ismael Gonzalez.
Meanwhile, Eric Johana Omondi, Daniel Francis Anyembe, and Richard Odada are set to link up with the team in Abidjan.
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Expressing his enthusiasm for leading Kenya in his first World Cup qualifiers, McCarthy said:
“I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers. I’m eager to work with the talented squad I’ve selected for the campaign,” McCarthy said.
“There’s plenty of hard work and dedication ahead, but we’re ready to embrace the challenge as a team.”
Kenya will first take on Gambia on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Stade Allasane Ouattara in Ivory Coast before returning home to face Gabon at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 4 PM.
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The Harambee Stars currently sit fourth in their group with five points, having recorded one win against Seychelles and two draws against Ivory Coast and Burundi.
Group leaders Ivory Coast top the table with 10 points. Only the group winners will earn direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the four best runners-up will enter a CAF Play-Off tournament for a chance to compete in a FIFA Playoff for an additional qualification slot.
McCarthy’s squad will depart from Nairobi on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as they gear up for two defining fixtures in their World Cup qualification journey.
