McCarthy hands Lawrence Okoth first Harambee Stars call-up
FILE: Lawrence Okoth celebrates after scoring against Morocco during an AFCON U-20 match. Photo/Handout.
Audio By Vocalize
Okoth, a rising striker who plays for Finnish top-tier side SJK Seinäjoki, becomes one of the standout inclusions.
The 19-year-old forward is a product of 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, where he netted a memorable header against Morocco.
His seamless transition from youth football to Europe has now earned him a senior debut opportunity.
The squad also features welcome returns for Austin Odhiambo and Daniel Sakari, both of whom missed Kenya’s previous qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles.
England-based defender Vincent Harper has also been recalled, seeking his first senior cap after being in the squad for a 2023 friendly against Russia.
McCarthy’s 25-man list blends fresh talent with experienced performers who powered Kenya to the 2024 CHAN quarterfinals, including goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, midfield anchor Alpha Onyango, and defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija.
Kenya will first travel to Bujumbura to face Burundi on October 9 at Intwari Stadium before concluding their campaign against the Ivory Coast on October 14 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
Currently fifth in their group with nine points, the Harambee Stars can no longer qualify for the 2026 World Cup but will be eager to finish on a high note.
The squad is expected to assemble in early October for camp, with final travel confirmations dependent on medical and fitness assessments.
The call-ups of Okoth and Harper highlight Benny Mc Carthy’s vision of integrating youth and foreign-based talent into the senior side, signaling a balanced approach as the Harambee Stars look to build for future continental and global competitions.
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, Austine Odhiambo
Wingers
William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
Strikers
Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth
Leave a Comment