McCarthy unveils CECAFA squad, says tournament crucial for CHAN preparation

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy during a training session at Kasarani Stadium Annex on July 16, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has officially named a 25-man squad for the upcoming CECAFA Four Nations Tournament set to be held in Tanzania.

The team will use the tournament to fine-tune preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The goalkeeping department will be manned by experienced custodian Farouk Shikalo, alongside Byrne Omondi and Sepstianos Wekesa.

In defence, head coach Benni McCarthy has named a versatile unit comprising Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, and Kevin Okumu.

The midfield will see a mix of youth and experience with Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanely, and Marvin Nabwire expected to provide creativity and control in the middle of the park.

Upfront, the team boasts a promising attacking force led by the experienced Masud Juma, Boniface Muchiri, Felix Uluoch, Mohammed Bajaber, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, and Austin Odongo.

Speaking ahead of the trip, head coach Benni McCarthy said the tournament comes at a crucial time in the team's preparations.

"It is a good tournament to gauge our preparedness for CHAN. We are going to face formidable opponents and that will clearly show us what is working and what needs to be fixed," McCarthy noted.

Kenya will open their campaign against regional rivals Uganda Cranes on Monday, 21st July at 3PM, before facing hosts Tanzania on Thursday, 24th July at 4PM. The Stars will wrap up their group matches with a clash against Senegal on Sunday, 27th July at 1PM. All matches will be played at Karatu Stadium in Arusha.

The CECAFA Four Nations Tournament will serve as a key build-up event for the Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN 2024.