Nairobi — Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has confirmed the final 25-man squad set to represent Kenya at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The tournament will run from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.
Kenya is making its debut at the CHAN finals and will host all Group A matches at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium.
McCarthy’s squad combines seasoned players and promising newcomers. “We’ve built a competitive team that’s ready to show what Kenya can do on the continental stage,” McCarthy stated during the announcement on Wednesday.
Goalkeepers Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Byrne Omondi will anchor the squad between the posts. The defense line features experienced names like captain Aboud Omar, Siraj Mohammed, and Daniel Sakari. They are joined by young prospects including Manzur Suleiman from the U20 setup, Swaleh Pamba, Lewis Bandi, and Kevin Okumu.
Midfield duties will be handled by Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire. McCarthy called the midfield “balanced and sharp,” adding that it reflects the growing depth in local talent.
The frontline includes veteran striker Masoud Juma, alongside Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, and Ryan Ogam. First-time call-ups David Sakwa, Austin Odongo, and Felix Oluoch complete the attacking lineup.
Aboud Omar will lead the team as captain, supported by vice-captains Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija.
Kenya opens its CHAN campaign on Sunday, August 3, against DR Congo at 3:00 PM. The team will face Angola on August 7 at 7:00 PM, Morocco on August 10 at 3:00 PM, and close the group stage against Zambia on August 17 at 3:00 PM all fixtures to be held at Kasarani.
The tournament, which features national teams made up entirely of players active in their local leagues, is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Kenya earned hosting rights after CAF’s final inspection approved the country’s readiness in May 2025.
With national pride at stake, McCarthy expressed confidence in his team’s readiness: “This is our moment. We’ve prepared well and will give everything for the badge.”
Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers:
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders:
Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Swaleh Pamba, Aboud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders:
Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Forwards:
Masoud Juma, Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch
Group A Fixtures CHAN 2024 (Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi):
- 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
Kenya will be aiming to progress past the group stage in its first-ever CHAN finals appearance, backed by home support and a revitalized squad.
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