CECAFA has moved quickly to steady the ship after Kenya’s Harambee Stars withdrew from the CECAFA Four Nations, confirming the mini-tournament will proceed with the remaining three teams in Karatu, Tanzania. The regional body said plans remain on track and urged supporters to rally behind the event rather than dwell on the disruption.
Harambee Stars’ technical bench, led by head coach Benni McCarthy, opted to pull the team out after assessing on‑ground conditions and judging them unsuitable for effective participation and preparation. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) backed the decision and recalled the squad to resume focused work for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which runs 2–30 August 2025 across co‑hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Reacting to the late change, CECAFA Executive Director Auka Gecheo described Kenya’s move as “unfair,” noting that organisers had invested effort to accommodate requests from the federation. Even so, he stressed that CECAFA’s commitment is to keep competitions on course and continually raise organisational standards across the region.
A revised three‑team round‑robin schedule has been issued. The tournament kicks off Tuesday, 22 July 2025, at Karatu Stadium with hosts Tanzania facing Uganda. Uganda then meets Senegal on Friday, 25 July, before the event wraps Sunday, 27 July, when Tanzania play Senegal at the same venue. The side with the best record over the three matchdays will be crowned champion.
Kenya’s withdrawal inevitably raises questions about readiness for CHAN on home soil. Midfielder Austin Odhiambo has already said hosting leaves “no excuses,” underscoring the heightened expectations that come with familiarity and crowd backing. McCarthy, for his part, has vowed to “shield” his players likening his role to wearing a bulletproof vest as he manages workloads, travel, and match minutes ahead of the continental showpiece.
FKF says its priority is to place the national team in the best possible competitive environment. While fans may be disappointed to miss a CECAFA clash featuring Kenya, the recalibrated focus could pay dividends if Harambee Stars arrive sharp, healthy, and unified when CHAN kicks off in August.
Regional stakeholders will watch closely: CECAFA wants to demonstrate resilience, and Kenya aims to justify a tough call by delivering performances that validate the pivot. East Africa’s packed football calendar leaves little margin, but also plenty of opportunity.
