Kenya’s home‑based national squad arrived at Arusha Airport at noon on Saturday, July 19, launching final preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN). The team will continue to Karatu, roughly 150km from Arusha, where a Four Nations tournament will provide competitive tune‑up matches.
Head coach Benni McCarthy called the event “a good tournament to gauge our preparedness.” He said facing quality opposition in a condensed window will help the technical bench identify what is working and what needs adjustment before CHAN kicks off on August 2 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
All participating countries in the Karatu competition will field squads drawn exclusively from their domestic leagues, mirroring CHAN eligibility rules that restrict selection to home‑based players. Kenya also seek to build on momentum from a mini‑tournament win in Malawi in March 2024.
According to the fixture list, Harambee Stars open against long‑time rivals Uganda on Monday, July 21 (3:00 p.m.). Tanzania meet Senegal later the same day. Kenya then play hosts Tanzania on Thursday, July 24 (4:00 p.m.) before closing group action versus Senegal on Sunday, July 27 (1:00 p.m.).
With short rest between fixtures, recovery hydration, ice baths, light walk‑throughs will be vital. Analysts will review video nightly to refine pressing triggers and set pieces. CHAN, limited to domestic‑league players, deepens talent pools and exposes emerging stars to high‑pressure internationals without overseas pros for national team depth overall.
McCarthy named a 25‑man roster before departure. Goalkeepers: Farouk Shikalo, Byrne Omondi, Sepstianos Wekesa. Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu. Midfielders: Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire. Forwards: Masud Juma, Boniface Muchiri, Felix Uluoch, Mohammed Bajaber, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Austin Odongo.
The group mixes experience and youth, giving McCarthy cover across the pitch. Expect rotation through the three matches as staff assess chemistry, tactics and workloads ahead of CHAN; displays here will shape selection calls.
The camp will also sharpen cohesion, player partnerships and game‑management scenarios. Northern Tanzania’s altitude and quick turnarounds against varied opponents should further test depth.
Travelling fans should allow time for the road trip from Arusha and afternoon heat at kick‑off; early arrival eases access and lets supporters lift the side. With continental competition close, every session now carries added weight for Kenya’s ambitions next month.
