Coach Benni McCarthy has made three changes to the Harambee Stars' 25-man squad as he seeks to finalise preparations for the continental tournament.
With the Harambee Stars set to make their CHAN debut at the 2024 African Nations Championship, McCarthy is leaving nothing to chance. The changes have been prompted by minor injuries and other unforeseen circumstances.
One of the most notable inclusions in the new squad is Shabana FC midfielder Brian Michira, who played a key role in his team's unpreceedented push for the Kenya Premier League title.
The other new inclusions are Tusker FC’s Chrispin Errambo and Sofapaka forward Edward Omondi.
The three players announced by the Football Kenya Federation are direct replacements for Mohammed Bajaber, Swaleh Pamba and Brian Musa, who withdrew from the squad for various reasons.
With the CHAN 2024 set to kick off on August 2, it is all systems go for the Harambee Stars, who are fully focused on their opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo slated for Sunday, August 3 at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.
The Stars are in Group A alongside formidable rivals Angola, Morocco, and Zambia. Although the group will be challenging, Benni McCarthy’s team has the huge advantage of playing all their group games at home, with government support and the backing of tens of thousands of fans.
Key Players to watch
With no further changes to the 25-man squad expected between now and the kick off against DR Congo, the Harambee Stars squad is a neat balance of experienced players and fresh new talent.
Veteran goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo (Muhoroni Youth FC) is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper, since he has been a mainstay for Harambee Stars in recent years. Known for his shot-stopping ability, it will be difficult to foresee McCarthy going for anyone else in goal. Shikhalo will, however, enjoy the backup of Byrne Omondi, a young and promising goalkeeper from KCB FC and Kariobangi Sharks’ Sebastian Wekesa.
In defense, there is a combination of seasoned players and rising stars with team captain Abud Omar set to lead the backline. McCarthy has a solid core of defenders to choose from including Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Alphonce Omija (Club Dhofa), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), and Mike Kibwage (Tusker FC).
Three other players - Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, and Kevin Okumu - provide the much-needed competition at the back, with Okumu poised to make his senior team debut.
In midfield, McCarthy selected a well-rounded group of players with Brian Michira (Shabana FC) and Chrispin Erambo (Tusker FC) set to apply their strong technical abilities to cause problems for opponents at the centre of the park.
Alongside them, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire are at McCarthy’s disposal to potential a combination of creativity and energy.
Up front, Masoud Juma is sett to lead the attack thanks to his experience. He will be supported by new additions, Edward Omondi and Felix Oluoch, both of whom can provide fresh impetus up front.
The trio of Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, and Ryan Ogam will will also provide versatility and a range of options for McCarthy upfront, depending on how the coach decides to set his team up.
Another name to keep an eye on will be Shabana FC’s Austin Odongo, who will be making a much-anticipated debut in the Harambee Stars squad.
