The moment is here. With the roar of home fans on the horizon and a continent watching, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his final 25-man squad for the much-anticipated 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) — a tournament that, for the first time ever, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The stage is set for August 2, 2025 — when Africa’s finest will collide, and Kenya writes its next football chapter.
The Guardians Between the Posts
In goal, McCarthy has placed his trust in a trio of safe hands: the seasoned Faruk Shikhalo, the agile Sebastian Wekesa, and the returning Byrne Omondi, whose leadership and grit promise to anchor the team in tense moments.
A Wall of Grit and Promise
At the back, Kenya’s defensive spine is a blend of experience and youthful tenacity. Skipper Abud Omar, Siraj Mohammed, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, and Daniel Sakari will provide calm under pressure.
They’re joined by rising star Manzur Suleiman, fresh from the U20 AFCON stage, alongside first-timers Swaleh Pamba, Kevin Okumu, and Lewis Bandi, all hungry to make their mark.
Midfield Warriors
The engine room boasts both flair and fight. Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire are set to dictate tempo, break lines, and create magic in the middle of the park.
Leading the Line
Up front, proven hitman Masoud Juma will spearhead the charge, with dynamic support from Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, and Ryan Ogam.
Making their senior team debuts and hoping to light up CHAN are the electric trio of David Sakwa, Austin Odongo, and Felix Oluoch.
Leadership Core
Captain Abud Omar will wear the armband with pride, flanked by vice-captains Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija — a trio that embodies discipline, resilience, and belief.
McCarthy’s Rallying Call
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Coach McCarthy expressed his confidence:
“The preparations have been fantastic. The boys have raised the bar — the intensity, the hunger, the commitment — it’s all there. I’ve been impressed by how they’ve responded to our demands, and I believe we’re on the right track. Come August, we’ll be ready to fight for Kenya.”
The Challenge Ahead
Drawn in a formidable Group A, Kenya will face continental giants DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia. Harambee Stars open their campaign on August 3 against DR Congo, followed by crunch fixtures against Angola and Morocco, before wrapping up the group phase with a potential decider versus Zambia.
All matches will be played at the iconic Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani — a fortress Kenya hopes to turn electric with support from its roaring fans.
A Debut Like No Other
This marks Kenya’s first-ever appearance at CHAN, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. On home soil, with the crowd behind them and history within reach, Harambee Stars will be chasing more than just wins — they’ll be chasing a legacy.
This is more than football. This is pride. This is passion.
CHAN 2024 Squad
Goal Keepers
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders
Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders
Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Fowards
Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch
Kenya CHAN 2024 Group A Fixtures (All at Kasarani Stadium)
Kenya vs DR Congo | Sunday, August 3 | 3:00 PM
Angola vs Kenya | Thursday, August 7 | 7:00 PM
Kenya vs Morocco | Sunday, August 10 | 3:00 PM
Zambia vs Kenya | Sunday, August 17 | 3:00 PM
