Harambee Stars prepare for their first CHAN appearance

Harambee Stars fans cheer their team during a match against Gabon at Nyayo National stadium, March 23, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Harambee Stars are getting ready to make history as they prepare to play in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the first time. The tournament, which starts on August 2, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Kenya qualified automatically as one of the three host nations. This will be the country's debut in the CHAN tournament, a competition reserved for players who play in their local leagues. It is a big opportunity for local talents to shine on the continental stage.

Head coach Benni McCarthy, who was appointed recently, has named a 35-man provisional squad made up entirely of players from the FKF Premier League.

The squad will be trimmed down to 26 players before the start of the tournament. McCarthy will be hoping to guide the team to a strong performance, especially with matches being played at home.

Harambee Stars have been placed in Group A alongside some of Africa's top footballing nations-former champions Morocco and DR Congo, as well as Angola and Zambia. All of Kenya's group stage matches will be held at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani in Nairobi.

This is the same venue where the team reached the finals of the 1987 All-Africa Games, and fans will be hoping that history can repeat itself. The team's opening match will be against DR Congo on August 3, a fixture that could set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

McCarthy's squad includes both experienced players and new faces who impressed in the domestic league this season. Top scorers like Moses Shummah of Kakamega Homeboyz and Ryan Ogam of Tusker FC are among the players expected to lead the attack.

In midfield, Alpha Onyango and Austine Odhiambo bring skill and control, while defenders like Michael Kibwage and Daniel Sakari offer experience at the back.

This will be a chance for Kenya to show that it can compete with the best in Africa. It's also an opportunity for players to earn national pride and maybe even attract attention from clubs beyond the borders.

With home support, a motivated squad, and a coach eager to make his mark, Harambee Stars will aim to go beyond the group stage and write a new chapter in the country's football history.