Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled a 30-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with top performers from the FKF Premier League dominating the selection.
The month-long CHAN tournament, which features only players active in their domestic leagues, will run from August 2 to August 30 and be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Kenya is set to make its CHAN debut and will open its campaign against DR Congo on August 3 at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium, followed by group matches against Angola, Morocco, and Zambia.
The attacking line-up features the league’s leading scorers: Moses Shummah (17 goals, Kakamega Homeboyz), Emmanuel Osoro (16 goals, FC Talanta), and Ryan Ogam (15 goals, Tusker FC). Sofapaka’s Edward Omondi also receives a well-deserved call-up after an impressive domestic season.
Midfield creativity and dynamism will be provided by Kenya Police’s Mohammed Bajaber, while new call-ups Keith Imbali (Shabana FC), Yakeen Muteheli, and Staphod Odhiambo (both Ulinzi Stars) bring fresh energy to the squad.
Coach McCarthy emphasized the blend of experience and emerging talent. “We’ve selected players who have consistently performed and deserve the chance to represent Kenya. This is a great opportunity to build a strong foundation for future competitions,” he said.
The team will report to camp on July 10 to begin preparations. This marks Kenya’s most significant continental football outing since their appearance at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they exited at the group stage.
The full provisional squad includes:
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, Sylvester Owino (both 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, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley (all Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (KCB), Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars)
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)
With home advantage and rising local talent, Harambee Stars are optimistic about making a strong impression in their CHAN debut.
Written By Rodney Mbua
