Odhiambo’s omission comes just a few days after he missed the quarter-final fixture of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) against Madagascar which Harambee Stars went ahead to lose 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal and extra-time to exit the tournament being co-hosted in East Africa.
Odhiambo, who plays for record champions Gor Mahia in the Kenyan Premier League, had featured in the opening Group A matches, scoring the only goal as Harambee Stars kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 victory against two-time CHAN champions DR Congo.
In the second group stage fixture, where Kenya played with 10 men following the sending off of midfielder Marvin Nabwire, the creative Odhiambo helped Harambee Stars to secure a 1-1 draw after converting from the penalty spot.
Against Madagascar, he was an unused sub, despite the game going to extra time. The decision by McCarthy left a section of Kenyans questioning Odhiambo's absence from the starting XI. Asked after the Madagascar defeat why Odhiambo was excluded from the starting XI, and was not brought in as a substitute despite the game going into extra time, McCarthy responded to the media: “Tactical decision.”
Queried further on the issue, he said: “I thought the way we set up was really good, solid because we wanted to dominate in midfield and Marvin (Nabwire) at his club is playing as an eight going forward and Alpha (Onyango) also very attack-minded, Manzur (Okwaro) sits."
McCarthy names 13 players from CHAN squad
McCarthy has named a squad boasting of a blend of local and international-based players. Job Ochieng has been his first call-up to the senior side. Additionally, 13 players from the recent historic CHAN campaign have made the squad.
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire will fight for the goalkeeping role, while in the defence, McCarthy named Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, and Lewis Bandi.
Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Manzur Suleiman, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire have been named in the midfield role, Emmanuel Osoro, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri will take up the winger’s role while striker Michael Olunga has been recalled alongside Ryan Ogam, who had a great performance in CHAN.
Harambee Stars will host the Gambia on September 5th, and Seychelles on September 9th, both matches at Kasarani Stadium. The Stars will look to build on their CHAN momentum as they continue chasing even bigger dreams.
Harambee Stars are currently sitting fourth in Group F with six points from six matches. They have managed one win, three draws and two defeats. Ivory Coast are topping the pile with 16 points, while second-placed have amassed 15 points, and third-placed Burundi have 10 points.
These matches come at a critical stage in the African qualifiers, which feature a group stage format. Teams are divided into groups, and each team plays home-and-away fixtures against their group rivals.
The top team in each group qualifies directly for the World Cup, the second round will pit the four best runners-up in two one-off semi-finals, followed by a final. The winner of this second round will participate in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
Final Squad:
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire.
Defenders: Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Lewis Bandi.
Midfielders: Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Manzur Suleiman, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire.
Wingers: Emmanuel Osoro, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri.
Strikers: Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam.
