Kenya U-20 star Lawrence Ouma Okoth has received his first senior national team call-up as head coach Benni McCarthy named the Harambee Stars squad for the final two FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
Okoth, only 19, is currently making waves in Finland’s Veikkausliiga with SJK Seinäjoki. The young striker rose through the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) and made history earlier this year as the first Kenyan to score at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, heading in a memorable goal against Morocco. His rapid rise from youth football to Europe has now secured him a debut at the highest level.
The squad announcement also marked the return of Austin Odhiambo and Daniel Sakari, who missed the last qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles. England-based defender Vincent Harper has been recalled as well, with a chance to finally make his senior debut after being in the squad for a friendly against Russia in 2023.
McCarthy’s 25-man team is a mix of fresh prospects and established names that impressed at the 2024 CHAN tournament. Key figures include goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, midfield general Alpha Onyango, and defensive duo Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija. This blend of experience and youth reflects McCarthy’s strategy of building a side that can compete both in Africa and on the global stage.
Kenya will first face Burundi on October 9 at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura, followed by a clash with Ivory Coast on October 14 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. Although the Harambee Stars sit fifth in their group with nine points and are out of the 2026 World Cup race, they are determined to close their campaign with strong performances.
The team is set to assemble in early October for camp, pending final medical and fitness checks. With Okoth’s inclusion alongside Harper, McCarthy has signaled a clear intention to integrate youthful energy and foreign-based quality into the national setup. For Kenyan fans, this call-up is not just about the final qualifiers but also a glimpse into the future of the Harambee Stars.
Final 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, Austin Odhiambo
Wingers: William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
Strikers: Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth
By Yockshard Enyendi