Star midfielder Austine Odhiambo and several other key players from the Harambee Stars African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad have been dropped by Coach Benni McCarthy for the upcoming World Cup qualifier matches. The 23-man squad was announced on Wednesday, August 27, with Odhiambo's unexpected omission raising questions beyond typical injury concerns.

• Odhiambo, who scored two goals in CHAN group stages, was notably an unused substitute in the quarter-final loss to Madagascar.
• Other dropped players from the CHAN squad include Mohamed Siraj, Daniel Sakari, Chrispine Erambo, and Masoud Juma.
• Masoud Juma's absence was anticipated due to injury struggles during CHAN, but Odhiambo's exclusion has led to speculation about a possible fallout with the coach.