Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has officially named his final 25-man squad for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). This edition of CHAN will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with the tournament set to kick off on August 2, 2025.
In goal, McCarthy has named a dependable trio of shot-stoppers: Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Byrne Omondi — whose recall brings valuable experience and leadership to the squad.
The defensive lineup strikes a balance between experience and youthful promise. Seasoned players such as captain Abud Omar, Siraj Mohammed, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Lewis Bandi and Daniel Sakari form the backbone of the unit. They are complemented by exciting young talent from the recent AFCON U20 campaign, Manzur Suleiman. Making their senior team debuts are Swaleh Pamba and Kevin Okumu.
In midfield, McCarthy has assembled a well-rounded core featuring Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire.
Leading the attack will be Masoud Juma, supported by Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, and Ryan Ogam. Earning their maiden call-ups to the senior national team are Austin Odongo and Felix Oluoch.
The team will be captained by Abud Omar and he will be assisted by Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija.
Speaking on the team’s preparedness for the tournament, coach McCarthy stated;
“The preparations have been fantastic, and the lads have really stepped up the intensity. I’m pleased with how they’ve responded to the demands of the technical bench, and I’m satisfied with what I’ve seen in training. I’m confident we’ll be ready to represent the country well at CHAN.”
Kenya has been drawn in Group A alongside continental heavyweights DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia. Harambee Stars will kick off their campaign on August 3, 2025 against DR Congo, followed by clashes against Angola and Morocco, before wrapping up the group stage with a match against Zambia. Stars will play all their group matches at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.
Harambee Stars will be counting on home advantage as they make their debut in the tournament. With a passionate fan base behind them, the stage is set for a memorable CHAN 2024 campaign.
CHAN 2024 Squad
Goal Keepers
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders
Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders
Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Fowards
Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch
Kenya CHAN 2024 Group A Fixtures (All at Kasarani Stadium)
Kenya vs DR Congo | Sunday, August 3 | 3:00 PM
Angola vs Kenya | Thursday, August 7 | 7:00 PM
Kenya vs Morocco | Sunday, August 10 | 3:00 PM
Zambia vs Kenya | Sunday, August 17 | 3:00 PM
Also Read: Harambee Stars Set to Play All Group Matches at Kasarani Stadium in Upcoming CHAN 2024