Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, will end their World Cup qualifying journey with two away matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast in October. 

The biggest news is the return of Austin Odhiambo, a key player who was left out of the last squad by coach Benni McCarthy, a move that had upset many fans. 

The team also brings in fresh talent like 20-year-old striker Lawrence Okoth as part of a plan to look to the future. 

Although Kenya is out of the World Cup race, strong results in these final games are important to improve the country’s world ranking and get the team ready for the next big goal: qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The biggest news from the squad announcement is the recall of Austin Odhiambo, a key playmaker for local side Gor Mahia. 

His return follows a highly publicized dispute with Coach McCarthy, who excluded the midfielder from the previous set of World Cup qualifiers. 

Odhiambo, 25, had played a vital role in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), leading to widespread fan and media outcry when he was previously left out.

McCarthy, a former Manchester United assistant, had tried to shut down questions about the midfielder’s absence, stating he was “tired” of the topic. 

However, his decision to bring the player back suggests any internal issues have been resolved, placing team unity first for the final two games. 

Odhiambo, known for his vision and creativity, is expected to inject a much-needed spark into a midfield that has been inconsistent during the qualifying campaign. 

His recall was met with excitement by fans online, eager to see the Gor Mahia star back in the national colors.

McCarthy’s squad blends experience with new potential. 

The coach has handed a senior debut to 20-year-old striker Lawrence Okoth Ouma, a rising talent who developed in the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) and recently signed with Finnish club SJK Seinäjoki. 

Okoth earned his spot after scoring twice for Kenya’s U20 team at the 2025 AFCON. 

His promotion means he will now share the dressing room with his idol, captain Michael Olunga, Kenya’s all-time top scorer.

This focus on youth is paired with strategic recalls, including England-based defender Vincent Harper from League Two club Walsall, who returns to bolster the left-back position. 

Also back in the lineup is experienced defender Daniel Sakari. 

Meanwhile, McCarthy chose to drop midfielder Richard Odada, whose fitness was a concern in earlier matches, along with winger Emmanuel Osoro and defender Lewis Bandi. 

These adjustments reflect the coach’s determination to solidify the squad’s core ahead of the next major qualifying cycle.

While Kenya, currently fifth in Group F with nine points, cannot qualify for the World Cup, the two upcoming away fixtures are far from meaningless. 

Strong performances against Burundi and the African giant Ivory Coast are critical for two reasons. 

First, good results will help improve Kenya’s FIFA ranking, which is crucial for seeding in future tournament draws.

Second, these matches serve as the perfect high-stakes training ground for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, which begin in March 2026. 

Coach McCarthy views this squad as a platform to build long-term stability. 

With established leaders like Olunga, the timely return of a creative force like Odhiambo, and the promising debut of youth like Okoth, the Harambee Stars hope to lay the foundation for a successful run that could see them qualify for their first Africa Cup of Nations finals since 2019.