The Harambee Stars have pulled out of the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament, barely a fortnight to the start of the African Nations Championships (CHAN).
In a statement released on Monday, July 21, the Football Kenya Federation announced the withdrawal, adding that the move was prompted by recommendations from Head Coach Benni McCarthy's technical bench.
"The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) wishes to inform the public that the Harambee Stars have withdrawn from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Tanzania," FKF's statement read.
"The decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team's technical bench, led by head coach Benni McCarthy, after a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions, which were deemed unsuitable for the team's participation and overall preparation."
The CECAFA Four Nations Tournament kicks off on Monday, July 21 at the Karatu Stadium in Tanzania. The tournament brings together national teams from East and West Africa in what is intended to be a warm-up event for ahead of the upcoming 2024 CHAN.
Prior to the withdrawal of the Harambee Stars, the competition had four participants including Uganda, Tanzania and guest side Senegal.
Incidentally, the Harambee Stars' withdrawal came at the eleventh hour, as they were meant to play the opening game of the tournament against Uganda on Monday, July 21.
Notably, McCarthy's side had already arrived in Tanzania in preparation for the game before the sudden withdrawal.
According to the FKF, the team will abort the tournament and return to Kenya to adequately prepare for CHAN "with full focus now shifting to ensure optimal readiness for the assignment ahead."
"FKF remains committed to providing the national team with the best possible environment to compete and represent the country with pride," the statement went on.
The fate of the Four Nations Tournament now remains uncertain following Harambee Stars' withdrawal, since competitive balance and logistics of the competition has been affected as a result.
Had Harambee Stars withdrawn earlier, possibly before July 21, the organisers would have had time to facilitate a replacement team. This was the case three days to the tournament, as Senegal also had to chip in to replace Congo Brazzaville, who withdrew from the event due to what was dubbed as "logistical challenges".
