FIFA Ranking: Why Modest Rise for Harambee Stars Echoes Benni McCarthy Call for Consistent Progress

The Harambee Stars are ramping up preparations for CHAN 2024. (Insert: Benni McCarthy)

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The Harambee Stars are ramping up preparations for CHAN 2024. (Insert: Benni McCarthy)

FIFA Ranking: Why Modest Rise for Harambee Stars Echoes Benni McCarthy Call for Consistent Progress

Festus Chuma 10:30 - 12.07.2025

Harambee Stars climbed two spots in FIFA rankings, boosting morale ahead of CHAN as McCarthy pushes for consistent progress.

On Thursday afternoon, Kenyan football fans were greeted with a welcome piece of news as the latest FIFA rankings placed Harambee Stars at position 109 globally.

The update, released on July 10, reflects the strides made by Harambee Stars after an active few weeks that saw them engage in back-to-back friendlies against Chad in Morocco.

While the climb may appear slight on paper, it represents far more than just numbers. It shows that there is a new sense of optimism under head coach Benni McCarthy and signals the possibility of sustained progress as the team prepares for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) next month.

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Harambee Stars, who now rank 24th in Africa, continue to hold their ground regionally as the third-highest ranked East African side behind Tanzania and Uganda. This is no small feat in a region where fierce rivalries and competitive fixtures are the norm.

The friendlies in June proved pivotal in improving Kenya’s profile, with the 2-1 victory over Chad particularly boosting morale.

The match at the Stade de Marrakech saw debutant striker Emmanuel Osoro announce himself with an 18th-minute opener, while David Sakwa doubled the lead before the break.

Chad’s Ali Mahamat Adam pulled one back, but Kenya held firm to secure McCarthy’s first win as head coach—a result that appears to have contributed directly to their improved ranking.

A Timely Morale Boost Ahead of CHAN

This ranking lift is more than a mere statistical improvement; it is a crucial psychological advantage as Harambee Stars set their sights on CHAN.

Beginning their residential training camp on July 10, McCarthy’s squad will now approach their preparations with renewed belief that their efforts are yielding tangible results.

Their CHAN campaign will open with a stern test against DR Congo, followed by a historic home clash under floodlights against Angola on August 7—the first time in over a decade that the Stars will host a match under the evening sky.

Such milestones signal a new era for Kenyan football, one in which professionalism and confidence are becoming defining features.

The group stage will then continue with a high-stakes duel against Morocco, Africa’s 12th-ranked side, before concluding with a fixture against Zambia on August 17.

These matches will test Kenya’s mettle against some of the continent’s most established footballing nations, offering the perfect opportunity to gauge their progress and resilience.

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