Harambee Stars Set Sights on CHAN Glory in Historic Home Tournament

July 29, 2025 Majira Media

Kenya’s Harambee Stars are on the brink of making football history as they prepare to participate in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024—a prestigious continental tournament exclusively for players active in their national leagues. Slated to kick off on August 2, 2025, this edition of CHAN will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, marking a milestone for East African football.

For the first time ever, Kenya will both host and compete in the CHAN tournament, a platform that showcases domestic talent. The Harambee Stars will play all their Group A matches at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, where they will face continental giants Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola.

Despite the tough draw, team captain Aboud Omar is confident. He emphasized that playing on home turf is not a burden but a motivating force, stating that the support from local fans will give the team an emotional edge.

The Final Squad: A Blend of Youth and Experience

Kenya’s final squad of 25 players, coached by Benni McCarthy, is drawn entirely from the Kenyan Premier League (KPL). The selection reflects the country’s deep talent pool, with a focus on form, fitness, and tactical discipline.

Key Players to Watch:

Moses Shummah (17 goals), Emmanuel Osoro (16), and Ryan Ogam (15): Among the league’s top scorers.
Austin “Musa” Odongo: A rising midfield star from Shabana FC.
Masud Juma, Felix Oluoch, and Alpha Onyango: Provide experience and creativity.
Bryne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa, and Faruk Shikalo: Solid options between the posts.
Debutants like Keith Imbali, Yakeen Muteheli, and Staphod Odhiambo bring youthful energy.

Coach McCarthy has focused on building a disciplined squad with solid tactical awareness, praising the domestic league’s role in shaping players ready for continental challenges.

Preparation: Focused and Tactical

The Harambee Stars reported to camp on July 10, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani annex. Training sessions have emphasized physical conditioning, tactical drills, and set-piece strategies.

McCarthy, a former South African international and seasoned coach, stressed that his goal is to instill belief and a winning mentality in the squad. He noted that the team’s preparation is not just about skill but also about resilience and mental strength.

CHAN 2024 Group A Fixtures – Kenya (All at Kasarani)

August 3: Kenya vs DR Congo
August 7: Kenya vs Angola
August 10: Kenya vs Morocco
August 17: Kenya vs Zambia

Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, making every match a must-win for Kenya.

The CHAN tournament provides a rare opportunity for local-based players to shine. For Kenya, it’s more than just competition—it’s a chance to rally national pride, ignite football dreams, and showcase the strength of its domestic league.

Stakeholders from the Ministry of Sports and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have pledged full support, including logistical and psychological backing to help the players stay focused.