Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Series set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, between March 23 and 31, 2026 FIFA window.
McCarthy’s selection blends experienced local-based and international players as the technical bench continues shaping the squad ahead of upcoming competitive assignments.
The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents as the national team continues its preparations for upcoming assignments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations that will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Among the notable inclusions is Clarke Oduor, who returns to the national team fold after a lengthy absence. Meanwhile, Zak Vyner and Zech Obiero will be hoping to make their Harambee Stars debuts during the series.
Vyner had previously been called up during the tenure of former coach Engin Firat but was unable to travel with the team due to documentation issues.
Obiero, who is currently on loan at Tranmere Rovers from Leyton Orient was named in the Kenya U20 Afcon side that made her debut in the continental showpiece in Egypt and is regarded as one of the country’s brightest young prospects and could use the FIFA Series as a platform to announce himself at senior international level.
There is also a return to the squad for versatile attacker Clarke Oduor, who has been recalled after a lengthy absence from the national team setup. His inclusion adds depth to the attacking department which will once again be spearheaded by captain Michael Olunga.
Goalkeepers Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire, and Ian Otieno headline the shot-stopping department.
In defence, the Harambee Stars have called up Frank Odhiambo, Abud Omar, Sylvester Owino, Zak Vyner, Rooney Onyango, and Daniel Sakari, providing a mix of domestic league experience and players competing in Europe.
The midfield unit includes Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Richard Odada, Chris Erambo, and Manzur Suleiman, who will be tasked with controlling the tempo and linking play between defence and attack.
Up front, Kenya boasts a diverse attacking lineup featuring Austine Odhiambo, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Mohammed Bajaber, Zech Obiero, Clarke Oduor, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, and Lawrence Okoth.
The matches will provide Kenya with valuable preparation time as the national team continues building towards major continental assignments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya has been drawn in a competitive group alongside European side Estonia, Caribbean nation Grenada and regional rivals Rwanda.
The FIFA Series will give Harambee Stars an opportunity to build squad chemistry while offering players exposure against teams from different footballing regions.
The team is expected to report to residential camp on March 22 before departing for Rwanda two days later.
Fixtures
Kenya vs Estonia ( March 27 | 6PM | Amahoro Stadium)
Winner M1 vs Winner M2 (March 30 | 9PM | Amahoro Stadium)
Loser M1 vs Loser M2 (March 30 | 6PM | Amahoro Stadium)
Squad
Goalkeepers
Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno
Defenders
Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Zak Vyner (Wrexham), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police)
Midfielders
Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Richard Odada (FC Uta Arad), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Manzur Suleiman (Stade De Reims)
Attackers
Austine Odhiambo (Nejmeh), William Lenkupae (Unattached), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Mohammed Bajaber (Simba FC), Zech Obiero (Tranmere Rovers), Clarke Oduor (Grimsby Town), Michael Olunga (Al Arabi), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki)
