Eric Ouma gives reason on Kenya omission for World Cup qualifiers

Kenya national team defender Eric ‘Marcelo; Ouma has come out to shed light why he was omitted from Kenya’s squad named by Benni McCarthy for two pivotal 2024 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against the Gambia and Seychelles.

While naming his squad, the South African legend left out several players including defender Ouma, who plays for Ekstraklasa club Raków Częstochowa, Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo, and newly signed Simba SC player Mohammed Bajaber.

“Dear fans unfortunately on Wednesday during our training I got injured and the test revealed that I ruptured my Achilles tendon, I would have wished to play for my club and Kenya during the upcoming games but unfortunately it is beyond my control ,I will do everything to come back stronger than ever,” explained Ouma.

His club confirmed the injury by saying: “Eric Ouma suffered an injury during training on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the study has shown that the Achilles ligament ruptures. The Kenyan will undergo surgery in the coming days. Eric, we stand with you.”

In the defence line, McCarthy named Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, and Lewis Bandi. He also named 13 players from the CHAN squad.

Kenya will host the Gambia on Friday, September 5, followed by a clash with Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9. Currently, Kenya sits fourth in their group with six points, behind Ivory Coast, Burundi, and Gabon.

Ivory Coast lead the group with 16 points, followed by Gabon on 15 and Burundi with 10 points.

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.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.