Kenya’s CHAN 2024 squad is built around top domestic scorers and emerging midfield creators playing in the FKF Premier League.
Led by coach Benni McCarthy, the side blends youthfulness, attacking flair, and strong league form as the national team eyes a strong debut in the competition on home soil in August 2025.
Players to Watch at CHAN 2024
Mohammed Omar Ali Bajaber (Kenya Police FC) – Midfielder
Kenya Police midfielder Mohammed Omar Ali Bajaber was born on March 15, 2003, in Nairobi, Kenya.
He is an attacking midfielder and has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the FKF Premier League.
As a youth, he rose through the ranks of Starfield Academy and joined Nairobi City Strs, where he scored 11 goals in 63 appearances before joining Kenya Police FC.
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Bajaber’s move to Kenya Police FC in February 2025 marked a turning point in his career, quickly becoming the club’s leading scorer with 9 goals, helping them clinch their first-ever FKF Premier League title.
Despite picking up a knock, Coach McCarthy insists Bajaber is “too good to drop,” and is central to Kenya’s CHAN plans.
“It’s an honour being selected for the national team. As a team, we have to be ambitious and go into the championship with a winning mindset. You respect your opponents, but you don’t fear them,” Bajaber said as the team prepare for CHAN 2024.
Bajaber is known for his technical skill, football IQ, powerful range shooting, versality across midfield wings and composure under pressure.
Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia FC) – Attacking midfielder
Gor Mahia’s attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo was born on December 16, 1999, in Siaya, Kenya.
Odhiambo has been instrumental in Gor Mahia’s domestic success and is now expected to carry that form into CHAN.
He was named 2023/2024league MVP after leading Gor Mahia to the 21st league title, scoring 12 goals and serving 13 assists—a standout season all-around.
His creativity, composure, and ability to unlock defenses make him a vital part in Benni McCarthy’s midfield setup.
Having played for AFC prior, his move to Gor Mahia was dramatic, involving a contract termination and a reported free transfer despite a Ksh10 million valuation by Leopards.
Austin is a highly effective dead-ball taker, scoring multiple free-kicks and penalties in 2025, including key goals against Kariobangi Sharks and FKF Cup opponents.
He can play as a number 10, winger or even secondary striker, offering flexibility admired by coaches and teammates alike.
Odhiambo believes Kenya must aim to win the tournament, especially since they’re co-hosting it with Uganda and Tanzania
“We must have the aim of winning it. As players, we must have that winning mentality, and we will make Kenyans proud,” Austin stated in a training interview.
Since debuting for the national team in 2024, he has already scored three international goals, including key strikes in the COSAFA invitational appearance and qualifiers.
Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia) – Central Midfielder
Born on December 23, 2000, Alpha Chris Onyango is a central midfielder for Gor Mahia FC, known for his tactical intelligence and versatility in midfield.
Onyango had a standout season with Gor Mahia, scoring five goals across all competitions despite the club missing out on silverware
His strengths include:
- Ball retention and distribution
- Defensive awareness
- Ability to transition play from deep areas
In Gor Mahia’s setup, Alpha is key to their build-up play, often dropping deep to receive the ball and initiate attacks.
He made his senior debut for Harambee Stars against Chad in 2024 and captained the side in only his second appearance
His leadership and composure in midfield have earned him the trust of coach Benni McCarthy, who sees him as a key figure in Kenya’s CHAN campaign.
“I want to sell myself. Hopefully, things will be better after the tournament,” he said, hinting at a possible move abroad.
Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC) – Striker
Ryan Wesley Ogam, born on December 21, 2004, plays for Tusker FC.
In his debut top-flight campaign, Ogam scored 15 goals in 17 league appearances, making him the league top scorer for the season.
Interestingly, Ogam started his footballing career as a defensive midfielder and transitioned to a full-time striker after unavailability of all strikers at Tusker FC.
He earned multiple accolades including Tusker Player of the Month (Nov & Dec) and the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month for December 2024, signaling broad recognition of his impact and consistency.
Ogam made his senior national team debut in January 2025 at the Mapinduzi Cup, scoring for Kenya in Zanzibar, marking his arrival on the international scene.
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He suffered a serious knee injury (meniscus tear) in February 2025, and underwent surgery shortly after, ruling him out for the remainder of the FKF Premier League season.
Farouk Shikhalo (Bandari) – Goalkeeper
Farouk Shikhalo is a 28-year-old Kenyan international goalkeeper currently playing for Bandari FC in the FKF Premier League.
Born on October 12, 1996, in Bureti, Farouk is known for quick reactions and decisive saves even when under siege.
Shikhalo rejoined Bandari in February 2025 after 6 years after stints with KCB, Kakamega Homeboyz, Mtibwa Sugar, Yanga SC, and Tusker, among others.
He helped Bandari lift the FKF Cup in 2019 and earned the FKF Premier League Golden Glove award for the 2018/19 season with 18 clean sheets, more than any other keeper in the league that season
He is strong in arranging defence and maintaining structure, Farouk will be essential when facing top African attackers.
Shikhalo has been consistently included in Harambee Stars squads, from World Cup qualifiers to CHAN preparations.
Head coach Benni McCarthy notably retained Shikhalo for his depth-building strategy ahead of the tournament, indicating trust in his readiness and form.
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