- Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named a 24-man squad for two international friendlies against Chad.
- The two fixtures are scheduled to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, on June 7th and 10th.
- The squad is set to depart Nairobi on Tuesday night ahead of the back-to-back matches, which serve as crucial tune-ups for upcoming continental competitions.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has officially announced the final travelling squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Chad, scheduled to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, on June 7 and 10.
These matches are a crucial part of Kenya’s comprehensive preparations for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania in August.
McCarthy’s 24-man roster, trimmed from the provisional squad, features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, ten midfielders and three forwards, with Gor Mahia and Kenya Police contributing the majority of the selected players.
Who are the foreign-based players in the Harambee Stars squad?
Given that CHAN only permits players active in their domestic leagues, the inclusion of four foreign-based players is particularly notable.
Among them are Stellenbosch FC defender Brian Mandela from South Africa, Central Coast Mariners midfielder William Lenkupae Wilson, The New Saints’ playmaker Adam Wilson and goalkeeper Brian Bwire who features for Polokwane City FC in South Africa.
Among the standout local call-ups is Gor Mahia’s creative midfielder Austin Odhiambo, who was a late addition to the provisional squad, stepping in for Victor Wanyama.
He will be joined by his club teammate Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino. Kenya Police FC’s experienced fullback Abud Omar and defender Daniel Sakari have also been selected.
FKF Premier League top scorer Emmanuel Osoro of FC Talanta and Kakamega Homeboyz striker Moses Shumah further bolster the attack.
Making his debut in the national team setup is Bandari FC’s rising defensive talent Swaleh Pamba, earning his maiden call-up.
Meanwhile, the dropped players are Bidco United defender Kenneth Nyamwaya and Czech-based Timothy Ouma.
The squad is set to depart Nairobi on Tuesday night ahead of the back-to-back fixtures, which serve as vital tune-ups for upcoming continental engagements.
ALSO READ: McCarthy explains Wanyama recall, urges Kenyans to respect former captain
Harambee Stars final squad
Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)
Defender
Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch FC)
Midfielders
Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Adam Wilson (The New Saints FC), William Lenkupae Wilson (Central Coast Mariners FC), Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia)
Forwards
Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)
ALSO READ: Rivalry rekindled: Beatrice Chebet vs Gudaf Tsegay in 2025 Rome Diamond League 5000m