Razor-sharp Singida Black Stars striker Elvis Rupia has earned a call-up to the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, according to an announcement on the club’s social media pages.Rupia has been holding his own among Tanzania Mainland Premier League’s top talents, firmly establishing himself among the league’s leading scorers.For a good stretch, Rupia led the scoring charts before Yanga’s Clement Mzize, Simba’s Jean Ahoua, and Yanga’s Prince Dube overtook him. He currently sits fourth in the race with eight goals for Singida.##NAJAVA_MECA_8755752##With the club confirming his call-up, Rupia becomes the first player selected for the national team under new coach Benni McCarthy ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.This marks Rupia’s return to the national fold after missing out on the final squad for last year’s qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.His first national team call-up came in 2018 under French coach Sébastien Migné, while he was still playing for Nzoia Sugar. However, Rupia did not make his senior debut at the time.Ndayiragije rues missed chances as Police drop more pointsHarambee Stars face a daunting task as they resume their quest for a first-ever World Cup appearance. Kenya will take on Gambia on March 19, followed by a clash against Gabon three days later.Despite a mixed start to the qualifiers, optimism remains high among Kenyan fans who believe the team can surpass group leaders Ivory Coast and make history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.Harambee Stars currently sit fourth in Group F with five points from four matches—a 1-0 loss to Gabon, a 5-0 win over Seychelles, a 1-1 draw with Burundi, and a hard-fought 0-0 stalemate against Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, having remained unbeaten so far.Newly appointed coach McCarthy believes Kenya can still qualify for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.The 47-year-old South African was officially unveiled as head coach after signing a contract that runs until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.AFC Leopards reignite talks with government to secure Kasarani landMcCarthy’s first assignments will be the World Cup qualifiers against Gambia on March 17 (away) and Gabon on March 24 (home).Kenya began their qualification campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Gabon, bounced back with a 5-0 demolition of the Seychelles, drew 1-1 with Burundi, and secured a crucial 0-0 draw against African champions Ivory Coast.##NAJAVA_MECA_8759460##Speaking on Kenya’s chances, the former Bafana Bafana striker insisted hope is still alive and believes qualification is within reach.“It’s not about where the team is right now—there are still so many games left,” McCarthy said. “Kenya have only played four matches. They’re not far behind. Ivory Coast are leading and Gabon are second, but with two games, we have a chance to change the players’ mindset.”Former Luton Town forward backs Benni McCarthy to inspire Kenya’s World Cup dream“With the talent we have, winning two games would take us to 11 points and put us close to the top. I haven’t lost hope. Even though it may seem unlikely, nothing is impossible. By the end of the qualifiers, we could be in a position to challenge Ivory Coast—and we are very positive about making that happen.”
