- Joseph Okumu is one of the prominent figures who were let go by Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy.
- The Harambee Stars, led by McCarthy, have journeyed to West Africa for the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gambia.
- The match today will mark McCarthy's debut as the new head coach of Harambee Stars.
Kenya's national squad, the Harambee Stars, will face off against Gambia tonight in Ivory Coast.
The highly anticipated match is set to begin tonight at 10 PM East African Time.
The Harambee Stars are positioned in Group F.
As the Harambee Stars presently sit in fourth place within Group F for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The game versus Gambia holds significant weight for Benni McCarthy's team.
On Tuesday morning, the Kenyan national squad left for West Africa and reached Abidjan, Ivory Coast, later that evening.
The match will take place at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium.
McCarthy explains the reasons behind Joseph Okumu's removal.
Among the players released from McCarthy’s squad was Joseph Okumu, who plays as a defender for both the French club Reims and the Kenya national team.
During the inaugural training session in Ivory Coast prior to their match against Gambia, the head coach of the Harambee Stars candidly explained his reasons for leaving out the 27-year-old defender.
McCarthy stated that Stanley’s non-appearance resulted from a miscommunication among the player, the manager, and the team.
"For Stanley (Okumu), I'm unsure of the details—there was simply a miscommunication among the manager, Stanley, and the club. As a result, he isn't present; however, my primary focus is not on the players who are absent," McCarthy stated.
He emphasized that his primary attention was not on the absentees but on the available players who were eager to represent their nation.
I aim to maintain a positive attitude towards the players who are present and willing to battle for their nation, prepared to leave nothing behind.
The South African global player highlighted the significance of maintaining positivity among the dedicated teammates and mentioned that the squad will exhibit fury, drive, and resolve during the game, since Gambia is anticipated to display similar fervor.
"Yeah, tomorrow we’re going to show anger, desire, and fight, because that is what Gambia will bring on the pitch."
McCarthy noted that the squad is in good physical condition and emphasized that those left out would receive follow-up communication with their respective clubs following the pair of matches.
Bodily, we possess strength. My primary concentration is on the players who are present. Those who did not qualify — we will contact their respective clubs following these two matches.
McCarthy talks before his inaugural game
Earlier, Pawonation.com.co.ke covered McCarthy’s comments before Harambee Stars faced off against Gambia.
McCarthy expressed his confidence that the squad had the potential to make an impact against Gambia, judging from their performance during practice sessions.
He admitted that the game would be challenging, yet showed enthusiasm and hope regarding the caliber of the team and their impressive performances during practice sessions.
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