- McCarthy reveals why Harambee Stars defender Daniel Anyembe skipped FIFA Series 2026 tournament.
- His most recent appearance for Kenya came in the 2-1 defeat to Gabon in Kasarani.
- Kenya will play in the FIFA Series 2026 tournament in Rwanda from 27-30 March.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has shed light on the absence of Denmark-based defender Daniel Anyembe from the national team camp in recent times.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming FIFA Series 2026 set to take place from 27-30 March in Kigali, Rwanda, McCarthy revealed that the player personally requested to be excused as Kenya steps up preparations for their inaugural participation in the tournament.
McCarthy explained that the decision was reached after direct communication with the defender who currently plays for Viborg FF in the Danish top flight.
“Daniel Anyembe’s team is in a fight for European places, so he spoke to me personally and asked me if I could excuse him for this camp. Obviously, we want a player to give himself the best chance for his club to finish in European places,” McCarthy said.
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Why Harambee Stars defender Daniel Anyembe skipped FIFA Series 2026 tournament
The South African tactician noted that Anyembe remains an important part of his plans but had to be allowed to prioritize club commitments at a crucial stage of the season.
According to McCarthy, Viborg are currently battling for a European qualification spot, and the defender felt it was necessary to remain with his club to help them maintain their momentum in the Danish Superliga Championship Round.
“That was my conversation with Daniel Anyembe, and that’s why you don’t see him here, but he was in the initial squad that I wanted,” he added.
The coach maintained that such decisions require understanding between players and the technical bench, particularly when clubs are fighting for major objectives late in the season.
Anyembe’s absence means Harambee Stars will head into the FIFA Series without one of on their most consistent defensive options in the right back position.
Since making his debut under the late Engin Firat in a friendly match against Iran in March 2023, the Danish-born defender has grown into a dependable figure in Kenya’s backline featuring in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches while earning 14 caps.
Under McCarthy, who assumed charge of Harambee Stars in 2025, Anyembe was also part of the coach’s early plans and featured in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon.
His most recent appearance for Kenya came in the 2-1 defeat to Gabon at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
At club level, the defender has been a regular for Viborg this season, making over 20 appearances and playing a key role in their defensive structure while also contributing a goal and becoming one of the club’s captain as the Danish side continues its push for European football.
Despite the setback, McCarthy remains confident in the squad currently in camp as they prepare for the FIFA Series.
Kenya is set to begin the tournament with a clash against Estonia before facing either Rwanda or Grenada in subsequent matches, with all fixtures scheduled to take place at the Amahoro Stadium.
Harambee Stars fixtures – FIFA Series 2026
Friday 27 – Kenya vs Estonia
Monday 30 – Kenya vs Rwanda/Grenada