Kenya striker Olunga breaks silence on being axed for friendlies

Kenya national team striker Michael Olunga has responded to coach Benni McCarthy’s decision to drop him from the squad that will play two friendly matches during the FIFA international break scheduled for November.

Harambee Stars will first face Madagascar on November 14th, before taking on Comoros four days later on November 18th, in Antalya, Turkey. However, while naming the squad for the friendly, McCarthy omitted the name of Olunga.

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, the biggest goal contributions for Kenya came from captain Olunga with six goals and two assists in total. However, Olunga, who features for Al Arabi in the Qatar Stars League has been overlooked for the two matches.

‘I still have a lot more to give to Kenya’

“That’s the coach’s decision. I believe each and every player was selected out of merit and give their best,” said the Al Arabi striker as quoted by Flashscore.

“Now we’re entering a new transition phase when we bring young players into the squad, so the senior players have been dropped for the friendlies and the coach will have the chance to integrate the new boys and test them out.”

The former Gor Mahia striker added: “I know I still have a lot more to give to Kenya, I want to keep working hard for the national team. Whenever the country needs me, I’ll always be there. It’s always an honor to represent Kenya.”

He concluded: “Having a coach like Benni McCarthy, who is the all-time top scorer for South Africa, it gives me motivation to believe it is achievable.

“Hopefully, if I continue to work hard with the national team, God will give me the opportunity one day to be the all-time top goalscorer for Kenya.”

The two build up matches come just a month after Kenya played their last World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Harambee Stars defeated the Swallows of Burundi 1-0 away before losing 3-0 against the African champions.

Final Squad;

Goalkeepers; Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC).

Defenders; Vincent Harper (Walsall), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Etoile Du Sahel), Michael Kibwage (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Sogndal), Manzur Suleiman (Nairobi United), Baron Ochieng (Zamalek).

Midfielders; Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Lech Poznan), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC).

Strikers; Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), William Lenkupae (VPS), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo), Ovellah Ochieng (Nairobi United), Jonah Ayunga (ST Mirren), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki).