Harambee Stars’ head coach Benni McCarthy faces a challenging situation ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast, as he will be without one of his key players due to suspension. Defender Ronney Onyango will not participate in the match, having received two yellow cards in earlier fixtures, leaving McCarthy with a selection headache.
This matchup is particularly significant for Ivory Coast, who need a victory to secure their position for the 2026 World Cup. Currently sitting second in their group, a loss or draw could allow Gabon, trailing by just one point, to tighten the race. Despite the pressure on their opponents, Harambee Stars are prepared to put up a strong fight.
With Onyango’s absence, the coaching staff will need to determine who will fill the right-back position. Daniel Sakari is the primary option, but centre-back Alphonce Omija could also be considered for the role. Onyango’s experience and ability to contribute creatively with his offensive runs make his absence felt, as these skills are crucial against a team featuring talented players like Simon Adingra, an agile Ivorian winger known for his cutting maneuvers.
On a positive note, Sakari has previously shown his capability under McCarthy’s guidance, having played a significant role in the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024), where he participated in all five matches, contributing to Kenya’s advancement to the quarter-finals. This experience could prove invaluable as the team aims to secure a favorable outcome in their challenging qualifier against the Ivorians.