Here are the 7 notable absentees from Benni McCarthy’s first ever Harambee Stars squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon.
As new head coach Benni McCarthy unveiled the 50-man provisional Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon , the exclusion of several key players has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Kenya will face The Gambia on March 20 before facing Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium on 23rd, with the two games incredibly crucial in their quest to really take the driving seat as they attempt to make their first ever global showpiece in history.
Pulse Sports takes a closer look at the significant players missing from the lineup and the potential impact of their absence.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
Chen Cheny Yen claims ATPU officers in Uasin Gishu demanded a Sh1M bribe to drop fabricated charges of sending death threats.
Byrne Omondi
Byrne Omondi is the biggest name missing on the list. The Bandari shot-stopper had cemented his status as the nation’s first-choice goalkeeper under former coach Engin Firat since his debut against Pakistan in 2023.
He was called up by former interim coach Francis Kimanzi for the Mapinduzi Cup in Pemba Islands, Zanzibar, where he started against Burkina Faso and Tanzania, but in the latter match, had to be subbed off at half time due to injury.
The goalkeeper was ruled out of action for much of January and February at club level, but made a return to action in their last league clash against Tusker.
His lack of fitness may explain the reason behind his omission from the squad.
)
Raheem Sterling’s Arsenal loan has unravelled due to tactical shifts, injuries and Arteta’s reluctance to wait for his resurgence.
Zak Vyner
Zak Vyner declared to play for the National set up during the June 2024 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast, but never made an appearance after the documentation required to clear him to play for the national team could not be completed in time.
In September, Engin Firat admitted that there were complications with regards to acquiring the Bristol City man’s passport.
Pulse Sports understands that the delay in his documentation is largely contributed by the lack of proof over his father’s citizenship, with documentation proving his father’s country of birth being problematic.
Abud Omar
Another absentee is Kenya Police left back Aboud Omar. The experienced defender, was controversially sent off during Kenya’s 1-0 loss to Zanzibar in the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup at Gombani Stadium.
The incident occurred in the 68th minute when Omar led protests against a referee’s decision to penalize Gor Mahia midfielder Alphonce Omija for a foul near the box.
The situation escalated when the referee allegedly punched Omar, prompting the defender to grab the red card shown to him. This altercation caused a lengthy stoppage, with Omar taking over five minutes to leave the pitch. Kenya, reduced to ten men, conceded a late goal in the 93rd minute, eliminating them from the tournament.
The aftermath of the incident saw Omar face criticism for his actions, though he later apologised, clarifying that his intention was to protect his teammates.
McCarthy has however opted against selecting him for the qualifiers.
Ayub Timbe
Ayub Timbe has not featured for Harambee Stars since their 3-1 win over Zimbabwe at the Malawi Four Nations Tournament last March.
The former Club Brugge winger has been a free agent since departing Albanian outfit Sabail last June, and his lack of gametime at club level explains the decision by Benni McCarthy to drop the speedy winger.
)
Michael Johnson has explained the biggest challenge with his inagural Grand Slam Track, explaining how signing elite athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will help abate that issue.
Adam Wilson
Another notable Absentee is former England U-18 and Newcastle United winger Adam Wilson.
Wilson, who has played in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season for Welsh outfit TNS, has been on fair form this season, netting five goals in 21 league appearances.
Having been called up for the World Cup qualifiers last June, Wilson has since been part of three international windows, but has yet to make an appearance for the side.
)
Speed, records, and big paychecks! These 5 track & field superstars are the richest as the 2025 season starts.
Linton Maina
Linton Maina has been in fine form for FC Koln in the 2. Bundesliga this season, scoring three goals and leading the assists charts with 10.
However, he suffered an ankle injury earlier this month, with MRI tests by the club confirming that the fleet-footed winger would be ruled out for weeks.
Marvine Nabwire
Marvine Nabwire has been on a good run of form for Kenya Police in the Premier League playing as a deep lying midfielder.
However, he has been left out of each of the last two Harambee Stars squad, first under Francis Kimanzi, and then under new head coach Benni McCarthy.
It remains to be seen whether he will impress enough to be granted a call up again in the future.
