- Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named the final 25-man squad set to make Kenya’s debut at the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 this August.
- Seasoned striker Masoud Juma has made the cut in a team that will be captained by Aboud Omar, with Daniel Sakari serving as vice-captain.
- This year’s CHAN will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, kicking off on August 2 and concluding with the final on August 30.
Seasoned striker Masoud Juma will lead the men’s national team’s charge for goals after being named in the Harambee Stars final squad for CHAN 2024 this August.
This year’s CHAN will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with the tournament kicking off on August 2 and concluding with the final on August 30 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Coach McCarthy disclosed that the 28-year-old striker is eligible to represent the national team after signing with a local club.
ALSO READ: Harambee Stars boss confirms Masoud Juma is eligible to play in CHAN 2024
The move qualifies him under the CHAN regulations, which only permit players active in their respective domestic leagues.
Masoud, who joined the team belatedly during their trip to the CECAFA tournament in Tanzania, is expected to play a pivotal role in Kenya’s debut appearance at the continental event.
While no fresh additions were made from the players previously in camp, three rising stars have earned their first-ever senior call-ups.
They include Bandari FC’s dynamic forward David Sakwa, lethal finisher Austin Odongo from Shabana FC and Posta Rangers’ in-form attacker Felix Oluoch Mboya who impressed McCarthy during an internal friendly match.
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Kenya Police FC defender Aboud Omar is set to captain the team, spearheading the defense.
He will be supported at the back by his teammate and assistant captain Daniel Sakari.
Alongside them, Siraj Mohammed and Alphonce Omija, as well as Sylvester Owino and Michael Kibwage, will reinforce the defensive line.
Exciting young talents from the recent AFCON U20 campaign, including Manzur Suleiman, add depth, while Swaleh Pamba, Kevin Okumu, and Lewis Bandi are set for their senior debuts.
ALSO READ: McCarthy reveals key reason behind Harambee Stars’ CECAFA tournament pull-out
These ten defenders will be tasked with protecting one of the three goalkeepers selected for the final squad: Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Byrne Omondi. Omondi’s recall brings valuable experience and leadership to the team.
In midfield, coach McCarthy has assembled a balanced core featuring Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire.
Upfront, Masoud will lead the attack, with Mohammed Bajaber ready to come on as a substitute despite having trained alone for most of camp due to injury.
Tusker forward Ryan Ogam and the brilliant Ulinzi Stars playmaker Boniface Muchiri have also made the final squad.
Kenya has been drawn into Group A alongside continental powerhouses DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia.
Harambee Stars will begin their campaign on August 3, 2025, against DR Congo, followed by matches against Angola and Morocco, before concluding the group stage with a clash against Zambia.
All group matches will be played at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.
Making their debut in the tournament, Harambee Stars will rely heavily on home advantage. With passionate fans rallying behind them, the stage is set for a memorable CHAN 2024 campaign.
Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 squad
Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders
Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders
Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Forwards
Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch
Kenya – CHAN 2024 Group A Fixtures
All matches at Kasarani Stadium
- Kenya vs DR Congo | Sunday, August 3 | 3:00 PM
- Angola vs Kenya | Thursday, August 7 | 7:00 PM
- Kenya vs Morocco | Sunday, August 10 | 3:00 PM
- Zambia vs Kenya | Sunday, August 17 | 3:00 PM