CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Stars Provisional Squad

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy (Credit: FKF Media)

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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy (Credit: FKF Media)

CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Stars Provisional Squad

Stephen Awino 21:25 - 02.07.2025

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.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially released the provisional Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The 30-man squad was unveiled by Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, marking the South African tactician’s first major assignment since taking over the national team reins.

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Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. (Credit: FKF) Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. (Credit: FKF)

McCarthy Eyes Local Talent for CHAN Push

Unlike other major continental tournaments, CHAN is strictly reserved for players who feature in their country’s domestic leagues.

With this in mind, McCarthy has leaned heavily on top-performing FKF Premier League (FKFPL) players, injecting youthful energy and domestic experience into the squad.

In goal, Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Brian Opondo have been trusted to bring reliability between the posts.

The defensive unit boasts a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging stars, including Siraj Mohammed, Abud Omar, Michael Kibwage, and Daniel Sakari, who are expected to anchor the backline.

The midfield selection sees the inclusion of creative forces like Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, and Brian Musa, all of whom bring tactical awareness and versatility.

There midfield further boasts of names such as Keith Imbali and Staphod Odhiambo.

Up front, Kenya's attacking hopes will be pinned on an exciting forward line led by Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, and Edward Omondi.

Also included are youthful talents such as Beja Nyamawi and Yakeen Muteheli, as McCarthy looks to build a fluid and aggressive front three.

Building Towards a Competitive East African Showdown

Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. Harambee Stars coach and Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy.

With CHAN 2024 being a historic East African collaboration, pressure is high for Harambee Stars to make a significant impact on home soil.

McCarthy’s blend of youth and experience is seen as a strategic move to instill confidence while laying a foundation for future national team development.

Kenya will be aiming to surpass its previous CHAN performances, and this squad announcement signals intent and ambition.

With camp set to begin in the coming days, competition for spots in the final squad will be fierce as players look to impress the McCarthy.

The final team selection will be trimmed closer to the tournament kick-off, with McCarthy expected to continue monitoring form and training performance before making his final call.

Harambee Stars provisional squad squad for CHAN 2024

Goalkeepers

Faruk Shikhhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, Brian Opondo

Defenders

Siraj Mohammed (Bandari), Manzur Suleiman (KCB), Pamba Swaleh (Bandari), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Alphonse Omija (Gor Mahia), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Michael Kibwage (Tusker), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Kevin Okumu (KCB)

Midfielders

Brian Musa (Kenya Police), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Keith Imbali (Shabana), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (Mara Sugar), Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia)

Forwards

Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), Ryan Ogam (Tusker), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari)