)
7 surprising absentees from Beni McCarthy's 30-man provisional CHAN 2024 squad.
When Benni McCarthy unveiled his CHAN 2024 provisional squad on Wednesday night, the headlines quickly focused on some of the fresh inclusions and tactical shifts under the new Harambee Stars boss.
But as fans and pundits combed through the list — which notably excluded foreign-based players per CHAN rules — there were still several glaring local-based omissions that left eyebrows raised and social media ablaze.
Drawing heavily from the local FKF Premier League, the squad seems to emphasise youth, tactical flexibility, and work rate — all hallmarks of McCarthy’s approach.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
)
11:48 - 28.06.2025
'She Showed That I Should Have Stayed Longer' – Usain Bolt Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Usain Bolt paid a touching tribute to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, admitting her enduring greatness made him feel he retired too soon.
Still, even within those parameters, some top-performing stars failed to make the cut, including a handful that featured in Pulse Sports Kenya's 2025 FKF Premier League Team of the Season.
Here are 7 of the most surprising absentees from McCarthy’s first big tournament squad as head coach:
Brian Okoth
)
One of the notable omissions on the list, Brian Okoth will have been surprised by the decision. He is one of four players on the list that actually made Pulse Sports’ Premier League team of the season.
Okoth has been vital in the Kenya Police backline as they turned around their form from relegation candidates to Premier League champions by the end of the season.
He formed a good partnership with David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng, was good at reading the game and his ball-playing from the back using his left foot gave Etienne Ndayiragije’s side balance during their build up play.
He was part of the squad that represented the country at the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup, so he will have felt hard-done by not making the final squad.
Brian Eshihanda
)
Brian Eshihanda is another player that will be gutted not to have made the final squad. Another who also made our team of the season, the Kakamega Homeboyz stopper has taken his game to another level this season.
Imperious in the air, he has taken a no-nonsense approach dealing with areal balls, and has been a set-piece threat for Kakamega Homeboyz, scoring four goals and also providing three assists.
He rightly made the squad last November under the previous coach Engin Firat, but has been overlooked since Francis Kimanzi took over as interim coach and Benni McCarthy took over on a permanent basis.
It is surprising considering he has been one of the best defenders on the land.
)
21:25 - 02.07.2025
CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Stars Provisional Squad
Benni McCarthy has unveiled a 35-man provisional Harambee Stars squad for the 2024 CHAN tournament, his first major assignment as Kenya’s head coach.
Marvine Nabwire
)
One of two omissions that have really sparked debate, Marvine Nabwire has been left out of McCarthy’s provisional squad for the upcoming tournament despite enjoying arguably his best top flight season since his breakthrough at AFC Leopards.
Nabwire, alongside Brian Musa- who was drafted into the squad - has been integral in helping Police dominate games and subsequently win the league for the first time in their history.
Nabwire has not played for Kenya since their 0-0 draw against Namibia in Polokwane last November under former coach Engin Firat, and McCarthy will be hoping the other options he picked give him the solutions he needs.
Alvin Mang’eni
)
Alvin Mang’eni has not been part of the Harambee Stars squad since 2023, but would have been useful had McCarthy given him the chance.
He has given Police width down the right hand side this season, which has helped them in their successful pursuit of the FKF Premier League title..
Also capable of playing on the left both as a winger and a wingback, he is a versatile player McCarthy might regret not picking
Brian Michira
)
Arguably the most controversial decision made by Benni McCarthy is the omission of Brian Michira, who was last drafted into the squad in January before the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup.
Michira has been integral to Shabana’s good form this season, scoring 12 league goals and contributing numerous assists, with his form making many believe he should be the league’s Most Valuable Player.
Michira failed to make the squad for the Mapinduzi Cup for failing to possess a passport, an issue Pulse Sports understands has since been resolved, but it remains surprising he was not drafted into the provisional squad.
Bryne Omondi
)
Possibly the most complete keeper Kenya currently has, it is a surprise he has not made the squad.
Under Engin Firat, he had cemented himself as a reliable stopper who was good in the air and composed on the ball, and also has registered a lot of cleansheets over the last two years as a keeper for both KCB and Bandar.
Omondi is another who has not been part of Kenya set ups since the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup, when he was subbed off at half time during their 2-1 win over Tanzania.
)
12:00 - 01.07.2025
Government Reveals When Nyayo Stadium Will Be Handed Over With CHAN 2024 Four Weeks Away
Sports CS Salim Mvurya has revealed when Nyayo Stadium will be handed over ahead of CHAN 2024, with the tournament now just four weeks away.
Kayci Odhiambo
)
Kayci Odhiambo has been in good form at AFC Leopards since coming back from a nasty injury in February.
His versatility, in that he can play both center back and center back, as well as his ball playing abilities have made him a valuable cog in the Ingwe machine. He also has international experience, having made his debut for Kenya in March 2024.
So to see him omitted is a big surprise to be honest.
Final Verdict
Benni McCarthy’s CHAN 2024 provisional squad offers a glimpse into a new era for Kenyan football, one shaped by discipline, aggression, and tactical identity.
But in the process of shaping a squad to fit his vision, some of Kenya’s best-performing local talents have been left out, raising big questions over selection criteria.
With CHAN on the horizon and Kenya still aiming to cement a distinct football identity under McCarthy, fans can only hope these omissions do not come back to haunt the Stars in a competition where every margin counts. As always, the pitch will provide the final answer — but for now, the debate rages on.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)