• 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 this evening will mark McCarthy's inaugural task since taking up his position as the head coach of Harambee Stars.

Kenya's national squad, Harambee Stars, is set to 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, in the 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 uncertain about that—it was simply a miscommunication among the manager, Stanley, and the club. Therefore, he isn't present; however, my primary focus isn't on the players who are absent," McCarthy stated.

He emphasized that his primary attention was not on the absentees but on the available squad members who were eager to represent their nation.

I aim to stay positive with the players who are present and willing to battle for their nation, prepared to leave it all on the field.

The South African global player highlighted the significance of maintaining a positive attitude among the dedicated teammates and mentioned that the squad will exhibit fury, zeal, 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 they will follow up with the clubs of those players left out following the pair of matches.

Bodily, we possess strength. My primary attention is on the players who are present. Those who did not qualify — we will continue discussions with their respective clubs following these two matches.

McCarty talks before his initial game

Earlier, Sport.bangjo.co.id.co.ke covered McCarthy’s comments before Harambee Stars faced off against Gambia.

McCarthy expressed his confidence in the team's potential to succeed against Gambia, drawing from their recent training sessions.

He admitted that the game would be challenging, yet he felt optimistic and enthusiastic about the caliber of the team and their impressive performances during practice sessions.