Veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama has withdrawn from Kenya’s Harambee Stars squad for upcoming friendlies against Chad, citing personal commitments in the UK, where he plays for the Scottish 2nd Division side Dunfermline Athletic FC.
This is a significant setback for new head coach Benni McCarthy, who had been counting on Wanyama’s experience to anchor the midfield.
The Harambee Stars are scheduled to play Chad in two friendlies on June 7 and 10, 2025, in Morocco. McCarthy, recently appointed as Kenya’s coach, had convinced the 33-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur and CF Montréal star to return from international retirement, praising his leadership and vision. However, Wanyama’s comeback was cut short, with the Kenya Football Federation confirming his absence due to personal reasons.
In response, McCarthy has called up Gor Mahia’s 22-year-old midfielder Austine Odhiambo as Wanyama’s replacement. Odhiambo’s strong domestic performances with Gor Mahia have earned him a chance to shine on the international stage, reflecting McCarthy’s focus on integrating young talent into the squad.
Wanyama’s absence poses a challenge for McCarthy as he works to build a competitive Kenyan team for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The former South African striker and Manchester United Striker Coach will use these friendlies to experiment with midfield options, testing his squad’s depth and adaptability.
Kenya’s Squad
Fans are eager to see how McCarthy’s tactical approach takes shape without one of Kenya’s key players.
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