Harambee Stars' Probable Line Up Against Chad Revealed as Benni McCarthy Eyes First Win

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Harambee Stars' Probable Line Up Against Chad Revealed as Benni McCarthy Eyes First Win

Mark Kinyanjui 11:49 - 10.06.2025

After a goalless draw in their opening friendly, Kenya’s national team is keen to sharpen its attacking edge as they prepare to face Chad once again tonight in Morocco.

The Harambee Stars’ first friendly against Chad ended in a 0-0 draw—a result that left many fans unimpressed, particularly with the team’s bluntness in front of goal. 

Despite a disciplined defensive showing and moments of promising build-up play, Benni McCarthy’s side failed to find the breakthrough.

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McCarthy's Kenya will now be banking on a more polished attacking display in tonight’s rematch, hoping to turn possession into points.

Goalkeeper: Brian Bwire

Brian Bwire will be expected to start in goal following his relatively comfortable display against Chad, where his distribution in particular was a joy to behold.

Bwire, who has gotten a lot of playing time in his first season in South Africa playing for Polokwane United, will be expected to retain his place in the starting line up for the clash ahead of Farouk Shikalo and Sebastianos Wekesa.

Right Back: Daniel Sakari

Daniel Sakari did well in the first game against Chad, and will be expected to keep his place in the side given his energetic displays up and down the flanks.

His long throws were also threatening and gave Harambee Stars genuinely good opportunities to find the back of the net on a number of occasions. He also did well defensively during the game.

Left Back: Abud Omar

Abud Omar started at left back against Chad and given his experience and seniority, it is expected he will keep his place in the side being the only natural left back in the squad.

Center Back: Alphonce Omija

Partnering Brian Mandela at center back in the first game, Alphonce Omija will be expected to keep his place in the team. His ball playing ability by way of bringing the ball out of defence could help unlock Chad’s expected low block set up, as well as to keep his partnership with Brian Mandela gelling. 

Center Back: Brian Mandela

Brian Mandela was captain during the first game and will be expected to keep his place in the starting lineup to provide his experience and leadership during the match.

Defensive Midfielder: Alpha Onyango

Alpha Onyango grew into the game during the first match, with Benni McCarthy opting to start him in a double pivot alongside Kenya Police’s Brian Musa for the first half in a 4-2-3-1 formation before switching it up to a 4-3-3 for the second half, with Onyango then playing on the base of the three man midfield axis for the game.

Onyango provided energy and legs off the ball and in possession, gave a fair share of line-breaking passes during the match. He will be expected to start over Musa for this game.

Midfielder: Austin Odhiambo

Austin Odhiambo did well when he came on. He was very good at playing progressive passes forward during the game, carried the ball well and injected creativity into the match for the 45 minutes he played.He will be expected to start this game as one of the two free number eights.

Midfielder: William Lenkupae

William Lenkupae will be starting as the other number eight after making some threatening runs from deep that gave Chad problems in the first half. 

He missed some glaring open chances that left a lot of Kenyans frustrated, but his runs were promising, and he will be expected to start in order to help unlock Chad’s defensive set up.

Right Winger: Adam Wilson

Making his full debut last weekend, Adam Wilson started as a right winger who would cut inside on his left foot and he did stretch the opposition on a couple of occasions. 

He also had a couple of shots on target, and it is expected he will retain his place in the starting line up for this game.

Left Winger: Boniface Muchiri

Boniface Muchiri started as a left winger in the previous game and was good at occupying half spaces when he drifted inside.He also made good runs off Moses Shumah who was excellent creating space for his mates with his back to goal on the game. He also made two threatening cut backs during the game that should have been converted better.

He will be expected to start for the game.

Forward Center:Moses Shumah

Moses Shumah may not have found the back of the net during the game, but his back to goal play created space for other players, especially Muchiri and Lenkupae to get into areas that would be threatening.

Emmanuel Osoro who came on as a substitute did not really impact the game as desired when he came on, so the expectation is that the Kakamega Homeboyz forward will maintain his place in the starting line up.

With pressure mounting from supporters to deliver a win, the Harambee Stars will need to show more ruthlessness in the final third. Benni McCarthy has the tools to unlock Chad’s defense—now it’s about execution.