Kenya Gears Up for CHAN with Four-Nation Clash in Tanzania
Kenya’s Harambee Stars will participate in the upcoming CECAFA Four-Nation Cup set for July 24 to 27 at Karatu Stadium in Tanzania, in preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The mini-tournament brings together Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Sudan. It will serve as the final competitive test ahead of CHAN 2024, which is being co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania beginning next month.
In the semi-final draw, Kenya will face Tanzania, while Uganda will take on Sudan. Winners from each match will meet in the final.
As part of the build-up, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named a 30-man provisional squad drawn entirely from FKF Premier League clubs. The list includes both rising talents and experienced players expected to push for CHAN glory on home soil.
Leading the attacking front are Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), and Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC). Mohammed Bajaber of Kenya Police brings playmaking skill, while Edward Omondi from Sofapaka also joins the forward line.
Midfielder Keith Imbali of Shabana earns his first national team call-up. He will join Staphod Odhiambo and Yakeen Muteheli of Ulinzi Stars to boost the midfield.
Between the posts, Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari) returns to lead goalkeeping duties. He will be supported by Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks) and Brian Opondo (Tusker FC).
The defensive line includes Manzur Suleiman (KCB), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), and Abud Omar (Kenya Police), among others.
The team enters residential camp on Thursday, July 10, before kicking off their CHAN 2024 Group A campaign against DR Congo on August 3 at Kasarani Stadium. Kenya will later face Angola, Morocco, and Zambia in the group stage.
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC)
Defenders:
Siraj Mohammed (Bandari), Manzur Suleiman (KCB), Pamba Swaleh (Bandari), 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)
Preparations signal Kenya’s commitment to a strong showing at CHAN 2024, where home advantage and recent form could help the national team push for a deep run in the tournament.
