CECAFA Respond to Harambee Stars Shock Withdrawal as Tournament Pushes On

Harambee Stars

CECAFA Respond to Harambee Stars Shock Withdrawal as Tournament Pushes On

Abigael Wafula 07:00 - 22.07.2025

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.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

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

Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy opted to pull him team out of CECAFA Four Nations tournament. Photos: FKF Media

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.

Harambee Stars Withdraw from CECAFA Four Nations Tournament

Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars

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.

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.