Victor Wanyama Returns As Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Stars Squad for Chad Friendlies
- Victor Wanyama has been included in the latest Harambee Stars squad by Benni McCarthy for friendlies against Chad
- The two games will be held in Morocco on June 7 and 10, and it will be the first time Wanyama is representing Kenya since 2020
- The 33-year-old has been playing his football in Scotland since March after leaving Montreal Impact
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Benni McCarthy has included Victor Wanyama in his Harambee Stars squad for June friendly matches against Chad in Morocco. The midfielder hinted at his return over the weekend.
Source: Getty Images
Victor Wanyama returns to Harambee Stars
McCarthy is preparing the team for the 2025 Africa Nations Championships (CHAN), scheduled for August and co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The former Manchester United coach did not call up Wanyama when he first took charge in March.
Wanyama is one of the big names included in the squad. Captain Michael Olunga has not been included. Other notable names include William Lenkupae, who scored an incredible equaliser against Gambia in McCarthy's first game.
The former Porto striker has been building a squad for the 2025 CHAN event and the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host with their neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.
"We are committed to building a structured, disciplined, and competitive squad. Our goal is to develop a strong team identity, play exciting football, and make the nation proud. I look forward to working with the players, the federation, and the passionate Kenyan fans to achieve success," McCarthy said after FKF confirmed his appointment in March.
The South African is still looking for his first win as Harambee Stars coach.
Chad is ranked 177th in the latest FIFA rankings and have struggled against higher-ranked teams. Meanwhile, Kenya are ranked 111th in the world.
Harambee Stars last won a competitive match in September against Namibia in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Fans reactions to latest Harambee Stars squad
"It seems huyu jamaa Benny McArthy haelewi kitu anafanya."
"Why would they call him again after retiring in 2021 when there are so many young talents out there who can play in that role cz I'm sure he rarely trains? To me it is a bad decision."
"What! Kwani hatuna footballers tumeanza kuita retirees kama appointments za gava?"
"Swali? Do we have this one game or a time when Wanyama was so good for the national team?"
Source: Getty Images
"This people should tell us when the young boys will be integrated into the system."
Wanyama has made over 60 appearances for Kenya and will add valuable experience to the team on and off the pitch.
Inside look at Chad's football history
On paper, Les Sao will offer little to no threat despite McCarthy leaving a huge bulk of his proven starting XI behind.
Chad, as already mentioned, are ranked in 177th place by FIFA, 66 places lower than Kenya. The last time they won a match was in March 2024, and since have been winless in their last 12 games. They have never qualified for a major competition.
Harambee Stars full squad for Chad friendlies
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)
Defenders: Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Kenneth Nyamwaya (Bidco United FC), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch FC)
Midfielders: Victor Wanyama (Dunfermline Athletic FC ), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Timothy Ouma (SK Slavia Prague), Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Adam Wilson (The New Saints FC), William Lenkupae (Central Coastal Mariners FC)
Forwards: Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)
What did Benni McCarthy say about Amorim?
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Benni McCarthy shared his honest thoughts on Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.
The Harambee Stars coach is confident the Portuguese tactician can turn things around at Old Trafford.
Amorim's spell since he took charge in November 2024 has been poor, but he will be in charge next season.
Martin Moses, the head of sports department, contributed to this article by adding details about Chad's football history.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
