Benni McCarthy has officially unveiled a bold and balanced 25-man Harambee Stars squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), marking Kenya’s debut in the prestigious continental tournament.
The tournament is set to launch on August 2, 2025, across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Harambee Stars – CHAN 2024 Final Squad
Goalkeepers
- Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC)
- Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia)
- Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks)
Defenders
- Abud Omar (Captain) (Kenya Police)
- Daniel Sakari (Vice-Captain) (Kenya Police)
- Siraj Mohammed (Ex-Bandari)
- Manzur Suleiman (KCB)
- Pamba Swaleh (Unknown)
- Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia)
- Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia)
- Mike Kibwage (Tusker FC)
- Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards)
- Kevin Okumu (KCB)
Midfielders
- Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
- Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia)
- Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia)
- Brian Musa (Kenya Police)
- Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police)
Forwards
- Masoud Juma (Migori Youth FC)
- Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC)
- David Sakwa (Bandari FC)
- Felix Oluoch (Posta Rangers)
- Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police)
- Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars)
- Austin ‘Musa’ Odongo (Shabana FC)
“I’m not here to please anyone. My selection was entirely based on players who have been in camp with Harambee Stars since I took charge of the team,” Benni said.
“We highly think of ourselves… and we want to give our best in CHAN. That means preparing in the best conditions possible.”
Also Read: 5 Kenyan Players to Watch at CHAN 2024
The squad was finalized after Kenya’s withdrawal from the CECAFA Four-Nations Tournament in Tanzania due to poor training facilities, a decision McCarthy defended to ensure optimal preparation for CHAN.
The team has been training intensely at Nyayo National Stadium, with McCarthy expressing confidence in their readiness.
“Coming back to Kenya was the best possible way that will give us the best chance of going past the group stages… where we were meant to train was really not ideal,” McCarthy stated.
Key Highlights from the Squad Announcement
Masoud Juma, recently signed by a National Super League side, headlines the attack, bringing experience and composure to the frontline.
McCarthy, who coached Juma at Cape Town City in 2018, praised his versatility and sharp finishing, noting his eligibility after returning to Kenya’s domestic league.
Rising stars like Austin ‘Musa’ Odongo (Shabana FC), Felix Oluoch (Posta Rangers), and David Sakwa (Bandari FC) have earned their first senior call-ups.
McCarthy expressed confidence in the squad’s preparation, praising their intensity and commitment during training sessions.
Tournament Outlook
CHAN 2024 Fixtures for Kenya (Group A – All at Kasarani Stadium)
- Kenya vs DR Congo – Sunday, August 3 at 3:00 PM
- Angola vs Kenya – Thursday, August 7 at 7:00 PM
- Kenya vs Morocco – Sunday, August 10 at 3:00 PM
- Zambia vs Kenya – Sunday, August 17 at 3:00 PM
Group A has five teams, so each team plays four matches.
The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarterfinals.
Call for home support
Harambee Stars Captain Aboud Omar has called for Kenyans to come and cheer the national team in all matches at the Kasarani stadium, saying, “We are fully focused. The players are giving everything in training, and there’s a great sense of purpose in camp. We want to make our nation proud.”
McCarthy emphasized the advantage of home support and the team’s determination to avoid excuses despite the tough group, aiming for a strong debut.
“We’re not just playing for points, we’re playing for pride, for opportunity, and for the people of Kenya. Let’s make Kasarani a fortress!” McCarthy remarked.
How to buy CHAN 2024 tickets
You can now buy tickets online for all CHAN 2024 matches hosted in Kenya, including Harambee Stars fixtures, through https://chan.mookh.com.
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Regular tickets go for Ksh200, while VIP tickets go for Ksh500 and VVIP tickets for Ksh1,000.
Message to Fans
The players are ready. The coach is fired up. The mission is clear.
Now it’s your turn, Kenya.
Fill Kasarani. Wear your colors. Sing your hearts out.
Let’s make CHAN 2024 a fortress of Kenyan pride.
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