Harambee Stars Set for Regional Test Under Benni McCarthy as CHAN Preparations Begin

Harambee Stars are gearing up for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for August 2 to 30, and Benni McCarthy, together with the Football Kenya Federation, are working around the clock to ensure the squad is ready for the challenge.

Kenya will co-host the event alongside Uganda and Tanzania, with the final of the tournament scheduled for the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.

All eyes will be on Harambee Stars to make the final of the event and give home fans an unforgettable memory.

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To ensure the squad is ready ahead of CHAN 2024, Harambee Stars are set to participate in the CECAFA Four Nations Cup, scheduled for July 24 to 27, 2025, at Karatu Stadium in Arusha, Tanzania.

The four-nations tournament will feature regional rivals, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Sudan, and it will provide an opportunity for teams to refine their strategies and evaluate squad depth before the continental showcase, which will exclusively feature locally-based players.

Harambee Stars will kick off their campaign against hosts Tanzania on Thursday, July 24, in the second match of the opening day. Uganda and Sudan will clash in the tournament's first match earlier that same day.

The competition format is straightforward, with the winners of the opening day matches competing in the final on Sunday, July 27. The losing sides will play for third place on the same day.

Uganda vs Sudan | Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 1:00 PM

Tanzania vs Kenya | Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Third Place Playoff (Loser Match 1 vs Loser Match 2) | Sunday, July 27, 2025 | 1:00 PM

Final (Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 2) | Sunday, July 27, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy unveiled a 30-man provisional squad on Wednesday evening.

Gor Mahia and Bandari FC both have five players named to the squad, with Kenya Police having four players. Debutants include Ulinzi Stars duo Staphod Odhiambo and Yakeen Muteheli.

Tusker FC goalkeeper Brian Opondo will finally have a chance to train with Harambee Stars after missing out on the camp for the World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and The Gambia.

The top-three scorers from the season, Moses Shummah (17), Emmanuel Osoro (16) and Ryan Ogam (15) have also been included in the squad.

Goalkeepers

Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC)

Defenders

Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Manzur Suleiman (KCB), Pamba Swaleh (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Michael Kibwage (Tusker), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Kevin Okumu (KCB)

Midfielders

Brian Musa (Kenya Police), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Keith Imbali (Shabana), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (KCB), Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia)

Forwards

Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), Ryan Ogam (Tusker),Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari)