Kenyan coach Benni McCarthy has announced a strong 25-player squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, now just under two weeks away. The Harambee Stars have been training intensively, and McCarthy has cut his initial 30-player list to a focused final roster.
Key Additions & Emerging Stars
- Masoud Juma returns to the Kenyan league and is expected to spearhead the attack.
- Experienced headliners include captain Aboud Omar, keepers Byrne Omondi and Sylvester Owino, alongside midfield mainstays Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo.
- Austin Odongo (18) – Shabana’s standout – earns his first senior call-up.
- Teenager Manzur Suleiman (19), fresh from the U-20 AFCON scene, joins the defence, boosting youthful energy.
Goalkeeper Line-Up
- Sebastian Wekesa
- Faruk Shikhalo
- Byrne Omondi
Defence
Includes veterans like Aboud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Daniel Sakari, with promising youngsters such as Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, and Kevin Okumu.
Midfield
Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire form the engine room of the squad.
Attack
Masoud Juma, Ryan Ogam, Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, with debutants Austin Odongo and Felix Oluoch.
Tournament Kick-off & Fixture Overview
- Opening Match: Kenya vs DR Congo on 3 August 2025, at Moi International Sports Centre – Kasarani, Nairobi.
- Group A Opponents: DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia.
- Kenya benefits from a passionate home crowd, with all group games played at Kasarani.
Why This Squad Matters
- Blend of experience and youth: McCarthy combines seasoned national team players with U‑20 talents for balance.
- Home advantage: Playing in Kenya gives the Stars a morale and support boost.
- Focused on winning: McCarthy’s decisive cuts reflect ambition and clarity in tactics.
Fan Expectations
With this potent mix—domestic top scorers, seasoned campaigners, and energetic newcomers—Kenya have high hopes. Expect a dynamic, hard-working, and strategically sharp Harambee Stars team ready to make a mark at CHAN 2024.
Full Harambee Stars 25-Man Squad
Goalkeepers:
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders:
Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Aboud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders:
Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Forwards:
Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch
Benni McCarthy’s final squad blends top local talent with fresh youngsters and veteran leadership—a well-rounded selection aiming to capitalize on home advantage and mount a genuine CHAN title challenge.