Masoud Juma Named in Benni McCarthy’s 25-Man Harambee Stars Squad for CECAFA Four Nations Ahead of CHAN 2024

Masoud Juma Named in Benni McCarthy’s 25-Man Harambee Stars Squad for CECAFA Four Nations Ahead of CHAN 2024

Mark Kinyanjui 10:30 - 19.07.2025

Juma, who was based in Iran, has earned a surprising call up to the squad for Arusha as Harambee Stars step up preparations for the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has officially named a 25-man squad for the upcoming CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Tanzania, a key part of Kenya’s preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Set to take place in Arusha, the tournament will serve as a testing ground for the squad’s readiness ahead of CHAN, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

In goal, McCarthy has gone with the experienced Farouk Shikalo, who returns to the national team setup, supported by Byrne Omondi and young talent Sepstianos Wekesa.

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Defensively, the coach has opted for depth and versatility, naming Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, and Kevin Okumu. The blend of youth and experience is intended to offer tactical flexibility across the backline.

The midfield unit features a balance of technical skill and tactical awareness. Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire are expected to provide energy, creativity, and control in central areas.

In attack, the Harambee Stars will be led by veteran forward Masud Juma, who brings valuable international experience. He is joined by Boniface Muchiri, Felix Oluoch, Mohammed Bajaber, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, and Austin Odongo, forming a diverse and promising offensive lineup.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, McCarthy emphasized the importance of this final tune-up opportunity:

“It is a good tournament to gauge our preparedness for CHAN. We are going to face formidable opponents, and that will clearly show us what is working and what needs to be fixed.”

Kenya will kick off their campaign against Uganda Cranes on Monday, 21st July at 3:00 PM, face hosts Tanzania on Thursday, 24th July at 4:00 PM, and wrap up the group stage with a showdown against Senegal on Sunday, 27th July at 1:00 PM. All matches will be played at Karatu Stadium, Arusha.

With the final CHAN squad expected to be named on July 23, the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament will be the final audition for several players eager to book their place in the continental showpiece.

Harambee Stars Squad – CECAFA Four Nations Tournament

Goalkeepers:

Farouk Shikalo, Byrne Omondi, Sepstianos Wekesa

Defenders:

Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu

Midfielders:

Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire

Forwards:

Masud Juma, Boniface Muchiri, Felix Oluoch, Mohammed Bajaber, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Austin Odongo