Wanyama dropped from Harambee Stars squad, Austin Odhiambo called up

Photo Credit - FKF Media.

Two days after he was named in Harambee Stars squad for friendly matches against Chad, midfielder Victor Wanyama has been dropped by coach Benni McCarthy.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have confirmed in a statement that the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has been omitted from the squad owing to personal commitments.

The statement further confirmed that Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo had been called up as Wanyama's replacement.

“Victor Wanyama, who was initially included in the Harambee Stars provisional squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Chad, has been excused to attend to personal commitments in the UK,” read part of the statement from FKF.

“He has been replaced by Gor Mahia’s Austine Odhiambo.”

Wanyama was set to mark a highly anticipated return to the national team fold, having been included in the squad for the first time since announcing his retirement from international football in 2021.

Wanyama’s replacement Odhiambo, has been in fine form in recent FKF Premier League matches this season since returning from injury, and his inclusion adds creative depth to the midfield options available for the two fixtures.

Harambee Stars will face Chad in a pair of friendly matches scheduled for June 7 and June 10, 2025 in Morocco.

The upcoming friendlies will offer a key chance to assess the squad’s depth and readiness as Kenya builds toward the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August. Players are expected to report to residential camp on Friday, June 2, 2025.