Moses Shumah to spearhead Kenya’s attack as Benni McCarthy announces squad for 2024 CHAN

The head coach of Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, Benni McCarthy, has announced a provisional squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament exclusively featuring players from domestic leagues.

The selection, revealed by the South African coach, comprises talent from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League, highlighting the country’s local football prowess.

Leading the attacking line is Kakamega Homeboyz striker Moses Shumah, who concluded the 2024/25 Premier League season as the top scorer with an impressive 17 goals. He will be joined in the forward department by FC Talanta’s Emmanuel Osoro and Ryan Ogam from Tusker FC.

Osoro wrapped up the season with 16 goals and was part of the Harambee Stars squad that faced Chad in a friendly during the recent FIFA international window. In that second friendly, he netted one goal and provided an assist as Kenya secured a 2-1 victory over Chad, marking McCarthy’s maiden win as head coach.

Ogam began the season strongly with 15 goals for the Brewers but was sidelined with an injury that limited his appearances throughout the campaign. He made a comeback towards the end of the season but was unable to match Shumah’s tally.

Sofapaka’s Edward Omondi also received a well-earned call-up following an impressive season. The midfield will include young talent Mohammed Bajaber, who played a pivotal role in leading Kenya Police FC to their first-ever Premier title, adding creativity to the side.

New inclusions Keith Imbali and Ulinzi Stars’ duo Yakeen Muteheli and Staphod Odhiambo are set to make their initial appearances in the national squad, while the goalkeeping contingent will consist of Farouk Shikhalo (Bandari), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), and Brian Opondo (Tusker).

Harambee Stars to Compete in Group A at Kasarani

Kicking off their campaign, Harambee Stars will play their Group A matches at the Kasarani Stadium. They have been placed in a competitive group alongside Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia. Kenya’s opening match is set for 15:00 local time against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the same venue. Following this fixture, Morocco will face Angola at Nyayo Stadium at 18:00 local time.

After the initial clash with DR Congo, Kenya will square off against Angola on Tuesday, August 7th, followed by a match against Morocco on Sunday, August 10th, and concluding their group games against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Sunday, August 17th.

The tournament will officially commence on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, featuring a match between co-hosts Tanzania and Burkina Faso at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium at 20:00 local time.

On the following day at 20:00, Madagascar will compete against Mauritania at the same venue. The opening matches in Kampala are scheduled for Monday, August 4th, when Uganda, also co-hosting, will take on Algeria at 20:00, preceded by a clash between Niger and Guinea at 17:00 at the same stadium.

This edition marks Kenya’s inaugural participation in the CHAN tournament. The last time the nation was involved in a major continental competition was at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they were eliminated in the group stage. However, the Harambee Stars are keen to advance further this time, especially with the advantage of home support. The team is expected to commence training camp on July 10th, 2025.

This announcement comes shortly after the Kenyan government reaffirmed its dedication to hosting the tournament by passing the Kasarani Stadium to the Local Organising Committee (LOC), which will also oversee the closing ceremony and final match.

The opening match will take place at Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, while Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, is set to host the third and fourth placement matches.

For the first time in history, this edition of the biennial football tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Running from August 2nd to August 30th, 2025, the tournament is sure to showcase the footballing talent of East Africa.

Kenya’s Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers: Farouk Shikhalo (Bandari), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC).

Defenders: Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Manzur Suleiman (KCB), Pamba Swaleh (Bandari FC), Aboud Omar (Kenya Police), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Michael Kibwage (Tusker), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Kevin Okumu (KCB).

Midfielders: Brian Musa (Kenya Police), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Keith Imbali (Shabana), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (KCB), Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia).

Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), Ryan Ogam (Tusker), Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari).