Also missing from McCarthy’s squad is experienced centre back
Alphonce Omija, who has joined Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel.
McCarthy said the team has a clean bill of health with zero
injuries reported. He also confirmed he permitted Omija to fly to Tunis on
Sunday to ensure he beats the transfer deadline in the North African nation.
“We have been fortunate that none of our players have picked up injuries,
but Aboud is suspended, while Omija left for Tunisia to sign for a new club. I Okayed
the move because he had beat the transfer window deadline, and also had his medicals to ensure he doesn’t
miss the opportunity, ” said Mac Carthy.
In the absence of Aboud, McCarthy may be forced to play defender
Mansour Okwaro at left back despite playing in midfield during the African
Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) last month.
Gor Mahia defender Sylvester Owino, who has previously partnered
with Omija in the heart of defence, is likely to pair with teammate Mike
Kibwage or Serbian-based Collins Sichenje.
The South African gaffer insists they won't underestimate their
opponents despite losing all seven group games.
“We don’t want to take
for granted that everyone beat them by two or three goals in group F, how
they turn up on match day. If they come with a completely different mindset,
while we come with a must-attitude, we can disappoint ourselves. We must respect
every team irrespective of their position, whether it’s Ivory Coast or Seychelles,”
added McCarthy.
Despite respecting “the Prates”, McCarthy believes they will
be ready and expects a win to improve their FIFA ranking.
His counterpart, Ralph Jean-Louis, said they will use the game
as part of their preparations for future assignments.
“We have observed Kenya tactically; they play long balls to
their target men, and we must stay focused to get a good result. Our target is
to use the remaining matches to prepare for the Indian Ocean Island Games. We
have a young squad that includes four U-17 players, and our aim is development.”
Said the Islanders coach.
The match kicks off at 4pm at Kasarani Stadium.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, who top group F with 19 points, will
battle second-placed Gabon at 10 pm tonight, with the winner staying on course
to join Morocco and Tunisia, who have already qualified.
Seven more African sides will grab an automatic slot with the four best-placed runners-up entering play-offs for a slot at the 2026 World Cup.
