Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has made significant changes to his CHAN 2025 squad after today’s friendly against Kariobangi Sharks that ended in 2-1 defeat to the Kariobangi Sharks Old Boys in a friendly match held at the Kasarani Annex.

In a bold move aimed at tightening the team ahead of the continental showpiece, McCarthy released five players from the provisional squad. Ulinzi Stars duo Yakeen Muteheli (winger) and Staphod Odhiambo (midfielder) head the list of those axed, alongside Shabana FC’s Midfielder Keith Imbali, AFC Leopards midfielder Kelly Madada, and Tusker FC goalkeeper Brian Opondo.

The decision comes in the wake of Kenya’s underwhelming display in the tune-up match, where lapses in midfield cohesion and defensive awareness proved costly.

To bolster the engine room, Kenya Police FC’s Marvin Nabwire has earned a late call-up. Nabwire, who had been a surprising omission from the initial squad, finally gets his chance to impress after his commanding performance against the Stars in the same friendly fixture. His inclusion has been widely applauded by fans and pundits alike, many of whom had questioned his initial absence given his standout season in the FKF Premier League.

He joins Bandari FC goalkeeper Byrne Omondi as the second recent addition to the squad as McCarthy seeks to inject fresh energy and tactical flexibility ahead of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament exclusively reserved for players featuring in domestic leagues.

Kenya, drawn in Group A, faces a daunting challenge with tournament heavyweights Morocco, Zambia, Angola, and DR Congo all standing between them and a historic knockout stage qualification. With CHAN set to kick off in a matter of weeks, McCarthy will be hoping these adjustments provide the necessary spark to ignite a competitive run for the Harambee Stars on home soil .

For continuous updates on Harambee Stars and CHAN 2025 preparations, stay tuned.