WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS | McCarthy names Vincent Harper and Lawrence Okoth in Harambee Stars squad for Burundi, Ivory Coast clashes
Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has named England-based defender Vincent Harper in the Harambee Stars squad for the final two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Burundi and Ivory Coast in October.
Harambee Stars will first face the Swallows of Burundi at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura on October 9, before wrapping up their campaign against African champions Ivory Coast at Alassane Ouattara Stadium on October 14.
New inclusions
Harper, who plays for EFL League Two side Walsall, has been handed his maiden call-up. Born in Nairobi but raised in England, the left-back holds dual citizenship.
Another fresh inclusion is Lawrence Okoth, a striker promoted from the junior ranks after impressing with the Kenya U20 side at the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt. Okoth, who now plays in Finland’s top tier for SJK Seinäjoki after graduating from the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), made history as the first Kenyan to score at the U20 AFCON against Morocco.
Coach McCarthy’s squad is a blend of youth and experience, with captain Michael Olunga leading the attack alongside Ryan Ogam. Olunga, currently with Qatar Stars League club Al-Arabi, scored twice in the last qualifier against Seychelles as Kenya cruised to a 5-0 win.
Key returns and omissions
Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo returns after being dropped for the Gambia and Seychelles qualifiers. Odhiambo previously impressed during the CHAN tournament, where Kenya reached the knockout stage on debut.
Notably left out are Richard Odada, Lewis Bandi, and Emmanuel Osoro.
Group standings
Kenya sits fifth in Group F with nine points from two wins, three draws, and three defeats. Leaders Ivory Coast top the group with 20 points, while Gabon follows closely with 19.
In the reverse fixtures, Kenya drew 1-1 with Burundi and held Ivory Coast to a 0-0 draw. The Harambee Stars will be aiming to finish their campaign on a strong note.
Final Harambee Stars Squad
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire.
Defenders: Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari.
Midfielders: Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo.
Wingers: William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri.
Strikers: Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth.
