• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 17 hrs ago

McCarthy names five foreign-based players for friendly matches

Head coach Benni McCarthy has named five foreign-based players in the latest Harambee Stars squad for the June international friendlies against Palestine and Kyrgyzstan.

The new players called up for the first time are defender Deon Woodman, winger Sammy Hena-Kamau, striker Micah Obiero, defender Sydney Agina and goalkeeper Caleb Kramer.

The inclusion shows the technical bench’s plans to expand the national team squad as Kenya continues preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Kenya will co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Kenya will first play Palestine on June 3 before facing hosts Kyrgyzstan on June 6 during the FIFA international window.

Among the new faces, Obiero is one of the most experienced. The 24-year-old forward currently plays for English side Wealdstone and has previously featured for Huddersfield Town, Carlisle United, FC Halifax Town and Boston United.

Obiero also comes from a football family. He is the son of former Kenyan footballer Henry Obiero, while his brother Zech Obiero is already part of the Harambee Stars squad.

Hull City winger Sammy Hena-Kamau also received his first senior call-up after impressive performances in England. The young attacker developed through Swansea City’s academy before joining Hull City’s Under-21 team.

Defender Sydney Agina, who is developing at Stoke City, has also earned a chance with the senior team. Agina is known for his versatility in defence, playing both centrally and on the wings.

Goalkeeper Caleb Kramer gets his first national team opportunity after his steady progress with Dutch side ADO Den Haag, while Deon Woodman adds more defensive options after impressive displays for Wealdstone FC.

The June friendlies are expected to help McCarthy test new combinations and build a stronger squad ahead of the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.

 

 Final Harambee Stars Squad

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Caleb Kramer

Defenders: Erick Ouma, Stanley Wilson, Sylvester Owino, Frank Odhiambo, Alphonce Omija, Deon Woodman, Rooney Onyango, Sydney Agina

Midfielders: Richard Odada, Chris Erambo, Clarke Oduor, Will Lenkupae, Austine Odhiambo, Zech Obiero

Attackers: Job Ochieng, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley, Sammy Hena-Kamau, Micah Obiero, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth