Harambee Stars are intensifying preparations for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) under the leadership of head coach Benni McCarthy. As the August 2 to 30 continental event draws near, Kenya’s locally-based players will be tested in a competitive setting through participation in the CECAFA Four Nations Cup.
The mini-tournament, slated for July 24 to 27, will take place at Karatu Stadium in Arusha, Tanzania. It features Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Sudan four East African football rivals. The competition is expected to serve as a key preparatory platform for the participating teams, all of which are gearing up for CHAN 2024. Only players based in domestic leagues are eligible for CHAN, making this regional tournament an ideal test for assessing tactical readiness and squad depth.
Kenya will open its CECAFA campaign against hosts Tanzania on July 24 at 4:00 PM, following the day’s opening match between Uganda and Sudan at 1:00 PM. The winners of the two matches will face off in the final on Sunday, July 27, while the losers will contest the third-place playoff earlier that same day.
This year’s CHAN will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with the final scheduled to take place at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. With home advantage and heightened expectations, pressure is mounting on Harambee Stars to deliver a strong performance and possibly reach the tournament’s final.
To prepare adequately, Benni McCarthy has named a 30-man provisional squad that features some of the Kenya Premier League’s most in-form players. Gor Mahia and Bandari FC each contribute five players, with Kenya Police FC supplying four. Ulinzi Stars’ defenders Staphod Odhiambo and Yakeen Muteheli have earned their first call-ups, while Tusker goalkeeper Brian Opondo returns to the fold after missing out on the recent World Cup qualifier camp.
In attack, Kenya’s top scorers from the domestic season Moses Shummah (17 goals), Emmanuel Osoro (16), and Ryan Ogam (15) have all earned places in the squad. The trio will be crucial in unlocking defenses during both the CECAFA tournament and CHAN itself.
The team also boasts experienced campaigners like Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari, and Boniface Muchiri, alongside rising talents such as Austin Odhiambo, Alpha Onyango, and Edward Omondi. With McCarthy’s tactical acumen and a well-balanced mix of youth and experience, Harambee Stars will look to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum ahead of CHAN 2024.
As the regional tournament approaches, the focus now shifts to performances on the pitch, where Kenya will hope to make a statement and set the tone for a successful run on home soil in August.
