McCarthy announces Harambee Stars final squad for CHAN 2024

Benni McCarthy (far left) enjoys a light moment with Harambee Stars players. [Harambee Stars, X]

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has confirmed his final 25-man squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The tournament begins on August 2, with Kenya playing their opening match a day later.

In goal, McCarthy has chosen three familiar faces - Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Byrne Omondi - bringing stability and experience to the team's backline.

The defence will be led by captain Abud Omar, who is joined by senior players Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Sylvester Owino, Siraj Mohammed, Alphonce Omija, and Lewis Bandi. Youngsters Manzur Suleiman, Swaleh Pamba, and Kevin Okumu have also made the cut, with Pamba and Okumu set to earn their first senior team appearances.

In midfield, the coach has picked Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire to control the game and link up play between defence and attack.

The forward line features Masoud Juma, Boniface Muchiri, and Mohammed Bajaber as the main goal threats. Rising talents Austin Odongo and Felix Oluoch have been handed their first national team call-ups, adding fresh energy to the squad.

McCarthy expressed confidence in the players' preparations, praising their commitment during training sessions. "The players have responded very well to our plans. The energy in camp has been great, and we are ready to fight for the nation," he said.

Kenya, making its debut in CHAN, has been drawn in a tough Group A alongside DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia. All of the team's matches will be played at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where they will enjoy strong home support.

Harambee Stars begin their campaign on August 3 against DR Congo before facing Angola and Morocco. They will complete the group stage with a clash against Zambia.

With home advantage and passionate fans behind them, McCarthy's squad will be aiming to make a strong first impression in the continental tournament.

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