Kenya U-20 star Lawrence Ouma Okoth has been rewarded with his first-ever senior national team call-up as head coach Benni McCarthy named a 25-man Harambee Stars squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
The 19-year-old striker, currently turning heads in Finland with top-flight club SJK Seinäjoki, is among the surprise inclusions. A graduate of the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), Okoth etched his name in history earlier this year when he became the first Kenyan to score at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a towering header against Morocco. His quick rise from youth football to the European stage has now opened the door to the senior team.
The squad also welcomes back Gor Mahia playmaker Austin Odhiambo and dependable right-back Daniel Sakari, both of whom missed the last round of qualifiers. England-based defender Vincent Harper has also been recalled, chasing his first cap after being named in Kenya’s 2023 friendly squad against Russia.
McCarthy’s selection strikes a balance between promise and experience, retaining the core group that reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 CHAN tournament. Familiar faces such as goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, midfield general Alpha Onyango, and defensive duo Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija have all kept their places.
Kenya’s campaign continues with an away clash against Burundi on October 9 at Bujumbura’s Intwari Stadium, followed by a tough test against continental champions Ivory Coast on October 14 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. Though the Harambee Stars’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are over, McCarthy insists the focus is on finishing strong and laying foundations for future competitions.
Okoth’s elevation, alongside Harper’s inclusion, underscores the coach’s long-term vision of blending youthful energy with established quality a clear signal that the rebuilding process is in full swing.
