Kenya’s Harambee Stars are set for their historic maiden appearance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), and they’ll do so on home soil as co-hosts of the 2024 tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda. This debut comes at a time when the country is enjoying unprecedented government support in football: goodwill that has positively shaped the team’s preparation.

Initially, the team had planned to participate in a CECAFA-organised Four Nations Tournament as part of their build-up. However, on the advice of head coach Benni McCarthy, they withdrew after arriving in Tanzania, choosing instead to play a series of home friendlies to better assess their squad and strategies.

But it hasn’t all gone smoothly. Kenya suffered multiple setbacks when FKF Premier League 2024/25 season top scorer Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro sealed moves to Zambia’s Power Dynamos, ruling them out of CHAN eligibility. Days later, promising forward Mohammed Bajaber also signed for Tanzanian giants Simba SC. In their place, Shabana FC’s duo Austin Odongo and Brian Michira as well as Posta Rangers striker Felix Oluoch were called up to bolster the attack.

As hosts, Harambee Stars will rely heavily on home support to navigate a daunting group that features two-time CHAN champions DR Congo and Morocco, 2011 finalists and reigning COSAFA champions Angola, and 2009 bronze medalists Zambia. Despite the odds, head coach Benni McCarthy remains upbeat:

“We’re here to go as far as possible. Hopefully even win the tournament. The boys you see here have the capability to take this team where it should be.”

Official CHAN Squad

Star Watch:

Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia) – The heartbeat of former champions Gor Mahia and one of the most technically gifted players in the league. A high-scoring midfielder with lethal set-piece delivery, Odhiambo is expected to be Kenya’s creative engine in this tournament.

Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC) – A late call-up from the reigning FKF Premier League champions. Nabwire offers vision and composure in midfield and will be crucial in dictating tempo in tight games.

Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC) – An emerging forward with quick feet and a direct style. Ogam’s pace and ability to exploit spaces behind defences could be vital, especially against higher-ranked opponents.

Aboud Omar (Kenya Police FC) – The captain and one of the few players with vast international experience. His leadership and defensive organisation will anchor the backline, and his overlapping runs offer an additional outlet down the flank.

Fixtures

Kenya vs DR Congo – Sunday, 3rd August 2025 (Kasarani Stadium)
Kenya vs Angola – Thursday, 7th August 2025 (Kasarani Stadium)
Kenya vs Morocco – Sunday, 10th August 2025 (Kasarani Stadium)
Kenya vs Zambia – Sunday, 17th August 2025 (Kasarani Stadium)

Kenya’s debut at CHAN comes with both hope and caution. Losing two of the nation’s most promising forwards and another days before kickoff is a bitter blow, but strong local replacements, a vocal home crowd, and a determined technical bench offer reasons for optimism. Navigating the so-called “Group of Death” will require near-perfect execution, but if they can click early, the Harambee Stars may surprise many.