Kenya’s national football team head coach, Benni McCarthy, has unveiled the provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon. The selection features a blend of experienced players and fresh talent, as McCarthy looks to build a competitive squad.
New Faces in the Squad
Among the standout new call-ups is William Lenkupae, an Australian-born midfielder who plays for A-League champions Central Coast Mariners. The 23-year-old has made 15 appearances for his club, scoring once, and was part of the squad that won last season’s league title.
Other debutants in the squad include:
- Levis Esambe (AFC Leopards)
- Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia)
- Mathias Isogol (KCB)
- Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia)
- Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks)
- Alvin Mang’eni (Kenya Police)
- Edward Omondi (Sofapaka)
- Matthew Tegisi (Shabana)
Preparations Begin Ahead of CHAN & World Cup Qualifiers
The team is set to enter camp on Wednesday, with McCarthy focusing on evaluating locally based players ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN). The coach aims to identify talent that could strengthen the squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
“Wednesday will be my first camp with local-based players to assess the quality for the upcoming CHAN and identify potential additions for the World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon,” McCarthy said.
Key Match Fixtures
Kenya will face Gambia on March 20 at the Allasane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast, before hosting Gabon in Nairobi on March 23. These crucial matches will determine Kenya’s progress in the World Cup qualification race.
With a mix of seasoned stars and promising new talent, all eyes will be on McCarthy’s Provisional squad as they prepare for these pivotal fixtures.
