Harambee Stars: Benni McCarthy hands seven Gor Mahia players call-ups for World Cup qualifiers

Gor Mahia players celebrate a goal during Sunday's March 9 FKF cup round of 32 clash against Githurai Allstars.

Harambee Stars: Benni McCarthy hands seven Gor Mahia players call-ups for World Cup qualifiers

Joel Omotto 12:05 - 11.03.2025

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has included seven Gor Mahia players in his provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has included seven Gor Mahia players in his provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon.

Kenya will face The Gambia away, with the match set to be played in the Ivory Coast on March 20, before hosting Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium three days later.

McCarthy has been sounding out players for what will be his first assignment as Harambee Stars coach and has given call-ups to seven Gor Mahia stars, who will be part of the provisional squad set to be unveiled this week.

As per Mozzart Sport, Gor Mahia playmaker Austin Odhiambo, leads the list of K’Ogalo players who have been included in the team, having bagged eight goals and also weighed in with a number of assists this season, while right-back Ronney Onyango, a mainstay during ex-Coach Engin Firat’s time, is also included.

Onyango is away to Norway on trials but McCarthy appears ready to continue reaping from his versatility, while centre-backs Sylvester Owino and Alphonse Omija have also earned call-ups.

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The two have been the most preferred duo in central defence for Gor Mahia this season and will hope to get a run out in the national team if they make the cut to the final squad.

Midfielders Alpha Onyango, making a return, Lawrence Juma and Ben Stanley Omondi, who recently joined Gor Mahia from Kakamega Homeboyz, complete the K’Ogalo lineup set to join the national team.

McCarthy is set to unveil his provisional squad this week although some players have already received call-ups, including Brian Mandela Onyango, who plays for Stellenbosch FC in South Africa.

Harambee Stars are looking to win both matches to get their World Cup campaign back on track as they sit fourth in their group with five points from four matches.

Ivory Coast lead Group F with 10 points, followed by Gabon on nine, with Burundi on seven points, ahead of the next qualification phase.

With six matches still to go, McCarthy has vowed to ensure Kenya qualifies for the World Cup in what would be a first-ever appearance for the country.