Benni McCarthy Unveils Final Harambee Stars Squad for CHAN 2024 With Big Hopes on Home Soil

For the first time ever, Kenya will compete in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), and the Harambee Stars are ready to shine.

Head coach Benni McCarthy has officially named his final 25-man squad for the 2024 CHAN tournament, set to kick off on August 2 across four East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.

The South African tactician has built a squad filled with domestic-based stars, blending experience with promising young talent. With Kenya playing host, expectations are sky-high.

The Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 squad is a daring mix of grit, youth, and ambition. With Benni McCarthy at the helm, Kenya is not just hosting the continent—they’re ready to compete. Whether they go all the way or not, one thing is clear: the future of local football starts now. [Photo: Courtesy]

Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 Squad Revealed by Benni McCarthy

Benni McCarthy has shown boldness and belief in local talent. His final selection features players from the FKF Premier League and Kenya’s youth setups. His message is clear—this is a team built to fight, not just participate.

Leading the squad is left-back Aboud Omar, a seasoned defender who has captained the national side before. He will be flanked by vice-captains Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija, adding stability and leadership across all thirds of the pitch.

The goalkeeper department includes the experienced Faruk Shikhalo, alongside Sebastian Wekesa and Byrne Omondi, both of whom impressed during recent domestic campaigns. Shikhalo is expected to start, but McCarthy has praised Wekesa’s shot-stopping and Omondi’s composure under pressure.

In defence, McCarthy has gone for a robust mix of experience and youthful energy. Alongside Omar, the backline features Siraj Mohammed, Michael Kibwage, and Sylvester Owino, all of whom have earned reputations for their aggressive marking and ability to read the game.

Daniel Sakari adds pace and stamina on the right flank, while Alphonce Omija brings aerial strength and leadership at center back.

Notably, McCarthy has included three rising stars—Manzur Suleiman from the Kenya U-20 team, Swaleh Pamba, and Kevin Okumu—as a signal of trust in the next generation. Lewis Bandi, a reliable left-sided defender, completes the 8-man defensive unit.

In midfield, the squad boasts creativity, energy, and tactical flexibility. Alpha Onyango and Brian Musa are expected to anchor the middle of the park. Austine Odhiambo brings flair and quick feet, while Ben Stanley and Marvin Nabwire offer control and attacking intent.

McCarthy has emphasized ball retention and quick transitions—skills this midfield group is expected to deliver.

Kenya’s Attacking Arsenal Ready for CHAN Test

Up front, the spotlight will shine on veteran striker Masoud Juma, who leads the line with strength and experience. Juma is no stranger to high-pressure matches and will be central to Kenya’s goal-scoring hopes.

Supporting him are Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, and Ryan Ogam, all of whom bring speed and versatility. Ogam has particularly impressed in local competitions with his relentless pressing and goal threat.

McCarthy’s selection also features exciting first-time call-ups: David Sakwa, Austin Odongo, and Felix Oluoch. These fresh faces will inject hunger and unpredictability, key ingredients in a tournament where surprises are common.

This is not just a squad of individuals but a team built on chemistry, pace, and purpose. McCarthy’s training sessions have focused on attacking transitions, pressing triggers, and compact defensive shapes—tactics tailored for CHAN’s fast-paced environment.

Kenya will face seasoned sides like Morocco, Zambia, and Rwanda in a tough group, but McCarthy believes the home advantage and his players’ hunger to shine will tip the balance. [Photo: Courtesy]

Kenya’s Debut at CHAN Brings Hopes and Pressure

This CHAN edition holds extra weight for the Harambee Stars—it’s a debut on home soil. Kenya’s co-hosting status means expectations are enormous, both from fans and football authorities.

CHAN 2024 provides an opportunity for Kenyan-based players to prove they can compete at a continental level without relying on foreign-based stars.

Benni McCarthy, who has vast experience both as a former Bafana Bafana striker and as a successful club coach, is under the spotlight. But he remains confident.

“This squad reflects the quality of football in Kenya. We are not here to participate. We are here to compete and make Kenyans proud,” McCarthy said during the squad announcement.

Kenya is grouped alongside seasoned sides like Morocco, Zambia, and Rwanda. While the group is tough, McCarthy believes the home advantage and the players’ hunger to shine will tip the balance.

The Harambee Stars will kick off their campaign on August 3 in Nairobi. Training camps are already underway in Machakos and Kisumu, with fans showing up in numbers to cheer on their team.

Final 25-Man Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 Squad

Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, Byrne Omondi
Defenders: Aboud Omar (captain), Siraj Mohammed, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Manzur Suleiman, Swaleh Pamba, Kevin Okumu, Lewis Bandi
Midfielders: Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Forwards: Masoud Juma, Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, Ryan Ogam, David Sakwa, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch