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Benni McCarthy has named the final Harambee Stars squad for CHAN 2024 with five names originally in the provisional squad facing the axe.
Benni McCarthy has made his final call on the Harambee Stars squad set to compete in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), and five players have found themselves on the wrong side of the selection process.
In a clear sign of his merit-first approach, the South African tactician axed several notable names based on performance and fitness levels, sending a strong message ahead of the continental showdown poised for August 2 accross Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Here are the five biggest losers from the final squad announcement.
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5. Staphod Odhiambo – Ulinzi Stars
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A key figure in Ulinzi Stars’ midfield, Odhiambo was expected to provide defensive cover and transitional play in McCarthy’s system.
However, his performances in camp failed to convince the technical bench.
Despite his experience at club level, he was deemed off the pace compared to his competitors for the midfield role.
4. Yakeen Muteheli – Ulinzi Stars
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Muteheli’s omission means a double blow for Ulinzi Stars.
Known for his speed and directness, the winger couldn’t find his rhythm in training and didn’t meet the tactical requirements laid out by McCarthy.
His inability to adapt to the new system ultimately cost him a spot on the plane.
3. Keith Imbali – Shabana FC
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Highly rated for his creativity and work rate, Imbali’s exclusion was one of the more surprising decisions.
Many saw CHAN 2024 as a platform for the Shabana midfielder to announce himself.
But McCarthy’s team felt he wasn’t yet ready to compete at this level, costing him a spot.
2. Kelly Madada – AFC Leopards
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A fan favourite at AFC Leopards, Madada's absence is a shock.
His ability to play across the front line and even drop into midfield made him a strong candidate for selection.
However, McCarthy's no-nonsense stance meant that reputation alone wasn’t enough, and Madada failed to impress during the evaluation period.
1. Brian Opondo – Tusker FC
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Perhaps the biggest shock of the final squad announcement was the exclusion of Tusker’s first-choice goalkeeper Brian Opondo.
Considered one of the FKF Premier League’s most consistent shot-stoppers, Opondo's omission hints at a deeper emphasis.
The omission of these five players underlines the high expectations that come with donning the national jersey under McCarthy.
As Harambee Stars prepare for CHAN 2024, those left out are a reminder that only the best will make the cut.