Kenya pick up Chan 2024 pieces ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. [file, Standard] Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has backed Kenya to put up a strong fight in their upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles. Olunga, who will once again lead the national team's attack, said the players are motivated to give their best despite the slim chances of qualifying. "We expect a tough match-up against Gambia. They are a good side," Olunga said. "The players are motivated and in good spirits. The head ace for us is to replicate the good performance witnessed during Chan 2024. I believe we can do even better." Kenya is fourth in Group F with six points after one win, three draws, and two defeats. ALSO READ: All is well that ends well, goodbye Chan 2024 Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast lead the pool with 16 points, followed by Gabon on 15 and Burundi on 10, leaving Harambee Stars 10 points adrift of qualification places with four games left. Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy admitted that Kenya's hopes of making it to the World Cup are faint but insisted the focus now is to collect as many points as possible while preparing the team for future tournaments. "We will try and make the most of the four remaining games. We have played four matches and not gotten maximum points," McCarthy said. "Qualifying for the World Cup is almost impossible. But we want to collect as many points as possible. I want the players to have the best feeling. I want us to be ready for the next Afcon qualifiers because I think we have slim chances with the World Cup considering Ivory Coast's position." The South African tactician also addressed his squad selection, which has seen some notable omissions. "We don't have Eric Ouma and Amos Nondi due to Achilles injuries," McCarthy said. "I know we did not call many players who many feel are best suited for Harambee Stars, but tough decisions had to be made considering the international players we have. My advice is for them to go back to their clubs, play well, and they might be called up next." One of the biggest surprises is the absence of Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo, who was Kenya's joint-top scorer at the recent Chan tournament. Odhiambo netted twice but did not feature in the quarter-final defeat to Madagascar. His omission has raised eyebrows among fans who expected him to play a key role. Simba SC's new signing Mohammed Bajaber, who pulled out of Chan with an injury but has since returned to action, was also left out. McCarthy revealed that efforts were made to bring in Everton's Tyler Onyango, but timing issues prevented his inclusion. "We reached out to Tyler Onyango of Everton to come and play for us but the timing wasn't good," he said. "I hope in future we shall be able to iron this early and have him in." Despite the absentees, McCarthy's 23-man squad has a strong foreign-based presence. Olunga will be supported by Timothy Ouma, Richard Odada, Rooney Onyango, Collins Sichenje, and goalkeeper Brian Bwire. A fresh face in the squad is 22-year-old Job Ochieng of Real Sociedad B in Spain. The young forward has earned his first senior call-up after making significant progress in Europe and is seen as a prospect for the future. wonyango@standardmedia.co.ke

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