Despite Harambee Stars' unexpected exit, CECAFA has addressed the situation and affirmed that plans for the tournament remain firmly on course.
The Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) has responded to Harambee Stars' withdrawal from the four-nation tournament.
The build-up to the tournament met different challenges, with the latest being Harambee Stars' withdrawal, but the organisers of the event, CECAFA, have confirmed that they will go ahead with the teams available.
CECAFA announced that the tournament will kick off on Tuesday, July 22, with hosts Tanzania facing Uganda in the opening match at the Karatu Stadium.
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15:40 - 21.07.2025
'No Excuses' - Austin Odhiambo on Why Playing CHAN 2024 at Home Doubles Harambee Stars’ Pressure
Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo feels playing the CHAN 2024 on home soil leaves Kenya with little room for excuses as they must impress no matter who they face.
The second match will see Uganda face Senegal on July 25, while the final day, July 27, will see Tanzania take on Senegal. The organisers revealed that the tournament will kick off at the Karatu Stadium with the three teams.
CECAFA Executive Director Breaks Silence on Harambee Stars Withdrawal
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CECAFA Executive Director Auka Gecheo expressed disappointment over Kenya’s withdrawal after arriving in Karatu, but confirmed that the tournament will proceed as planned.
CECAFA stated that it remains committed to continually improving the quality and organisation of its competitions.
“We find the withdrawal of Kenya to be unfair, especially after extensive efforts were made to meet the Federation’s requests,” he said in the press statement.
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10:00 - 21.07.2025
'I've Got A Bulletproof Vest On' - Benni McCarthy Vows to Shield Harambee Stars Ahead of CHAN
Benni McCarthy emphasised his fierce loyalty to Harambee Stars, declaring that anyone who attacks them 'messes with the lion.'
Harambee Stars Withdraw from CECAFA Four Nations Tournament
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In a statement released to the public, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) explained that the decision to withdraw Harambee Stars from the tournament was made by the technical bench, led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy.
This was after they assessed the conditions and deemed them unsuitable for effective participation and preparation.
The federation noted that the team would return to Kenya and resume preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with a renewed focus on achieving peak performance for the tournament.
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21:27 - 20.07.2025
Why Harambee Stars' CECAFA Four Nations' Fixtures Have Been Rescheduled Amid CHAN 2024 Preparations
Harambee Stars will still face Tanzania, Uganda and Senegal in Arusha, but the original fixture schedule has been changed due to an unexpected hiccup.
FKF also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the national team is provided with the best possible environment to compete and represent the country with pride.
Meanwhile, attention now turns fully to the upcoming CHAN tournament, set to take place from August 2 to 30, and co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.