Ex-Stars goalie queries Tyson Otieno’s omission in Kenya’s FIFA series squad
Former Harambee Stars legendary goalkeeper Matthews Ottamax has questioned the national team’s squad criteria ahead of the scheduled FIFA Series in Rwanda.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming competition to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, between Monday, March 23, 2026, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in the international window.
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Among those called for international duty are Wrexham defender Zak Vyner and Zech Obiero, who recently joined Tranmere Rovers in English League Two and other locally based players.
In the midfield, McCarthy called Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Richard Odada (FC Uta Arad), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Manzur Suleiman (Stade De Reims).
However, the omission of AFC Leopards midfield maestro Tyson Otieno has caught the attention of the Ex-Kenya international goalie. Otieno has been in great form for Ingwe this season. He was recently on the score sheet as Ingwe ripped Shabana FC apart, a match that he contributed to the 5-1 beating of the Glamour Boys at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Anchoring the midfield, Otieno has steadily helped Ingwe to a second place in the FKF Premier League standings with 43 points in 22 matches, trailing leaders Gor Mahia with seven points.
Ottamax disatisfied
With the AFC Leopards players totally snubbed in McCarthy’s selection, Ottamax expressed dissatisfaction on Saturday, March 14, 2026, via a Facebook post.
”East, West, North and South, Up or Down, Apex or Base, point Nadir or Zenith…ata mzunguke dunia aje! The best Kenyan creative midfielder at the moment is AFC Leopards’ Tyson Otieno! Sijasema hao wengine si wazuri…but.” Ottamax reacted.
Kenya heads to the FIFA series window after being drawn in a competitive group alongside European side Estonia, Caribbean nation Grenada and regional rivals Rwanda.
The test matches will also provide Kenya with valuable preparation time as the national team ramps up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The team is expected to report to the residential camp on March 22, 2026, before departing for Rwanda.
Fixtures
Kenya vs Estonia – Friday, March 27 | 6:00 pm | Amahoro Stadium
Winner M1 vs. Winner M2 (Monday, March 30 | 9:00 pm | Amahoro Stadium.
Loser M1 vs Loser M2 (March 30 | 6:00 pm | Amahoro Stadium.
Squad
Goalkeepers
Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno
Defenders
Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Zak Vyner (Wrexham), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police)
Midfielders
Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Richard Odada (FC Uta Arad), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Manzur Suleiman (Stade De Reims)
Attackers
Austine Odhiambo (Nejmeh), William Lenkupae (Unattached), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Mohammed Bajaber (Simba FC), Zech Obiero (Tranmere Rovers), Clarke Oduor (Grimsby Town), Michael Olunga (Al Arabi), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki)
