- Harambee Stars will face Tanzania in their opening match of the CECAFA Four-Nation Tournament on Monday, July 21.
- The match will be played at Karatu Stadium in Arusha, kicking off at 3:00 PM EAT.
- The tournament is a key warm-up for Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Senegal ahead of CHAN 2024.
The national men’s team, Harambee Stars, will kick off their CECAFA Four Nations Tournament campaign on Monday, July 21, facing hosts Tanzania at the Karatu Stadium (3.00PM EAT).
This mini-tournament is a crucial preparatory stage for the four participating nations: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Senegal, as they gear up for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
The tournament, which begins in less than two weeks, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2 to August 30.
Initially, coach Benni McCarthy’s side was slated to open their campaign against Uganda.
However, due to logistical delays faced by Senegal, organizers were forced to revise the fixture schedule, placing Kenya against the host nation in the opener.
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A provisional squad of 25 players was named for the CECAFA tournament.
This squad is expected to be narrowed down ahead of the CHAN opener on August 2, where Kenya will face DR Congo at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Veteran defender Aboud Omar of Police FC will captain the side.
The goalkeeping unit includes Faruk Shikalo, Byrne Omondi, and Sebastian Wekesa each vying for the starting role between the posts.
In defense, Omar will be joined by nine other aspirants all looking to secure a spot in the final 23-man CHAN squad.
These include Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, and Kevin Okumu.
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The midfield features five dynamic players, led by Gor Mahia’s creative spark Austin Odhiambo and Kenya Police sensation Marvin Nabwire, who was a late inclusion.
They are accompanied by Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, and Ben Stanley.
Kenya’s frontline will be spearheaded by seasoned striker Masud Juma, who joined the squad just before departure.
He will lead the charge alongside Ulinzi Stars’ Boniface Muchiri, emerging talents Felix Uluoch and Austin Odongo, promising forward Mohammed Bajaber, as well as David Sakwa and Ryan Ogam.
Coach Benni McCarthy’s thoughts ahead of CECAFA opener
Speaking ahead of the competition, the South African tactician underscored the significance of the tournament as a vital testing ground ahead of CHAN 2024.
I think it is nice to have two competitive games against strong opposition. I think it will give us a chance to see where we are in terms of game readiness for the upcoming CHAN tournament,” McCarthy said.
So, it will give us an indication of where we still need to strengthen, where we need to improve, because it’s better to have these opportunities with these kinds of matches to rectify or just fix the final details before the tournament starts.”
Harambee Stars CECAFA Four-Nation Tournament fixtures
- Kenya vs Tanzania – July 21
- Kenya vs Senegal – July 24
- Kenya vs Uganda – July 27
After the final fixture, the team will return home for a five-day intensive training camp as final preparations for CHAN 2024 commence.
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Harambee Stars squad in Tanzania
Goalkeepers
Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikalo, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders
Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Aboud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders
Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Marvin Nabwire, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley
Forwards
Masud Juma, Boniface Muchiri, Felix Uluoch, Austin Odongo, Mohammed Bajaber, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam