McCarthy rings changes as Harambee Stars step up CHAN 2024 preparations
Benni McCarthy has reshuffled his CHAN 2024 squad after a lukewarm friendly showing, with Kenya also losing striker Emmanuel Osoro who has signed for Power Dynamos in Zambia. Meanwhile, three local referees have earned prestigious CHAN appointments.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has made changes to his squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a disappointing closed-door friendly defeat to a select side of former Kariobangi Sharks players at Kasarani Annex on Tuesday morning.
The match, played in three halves, ended 1-0, 0-0, and 0-2, with Kenya’s only goal coming from Gor Mahia's Austin Odhiambo. Following the performance, goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo and Police FC midfielder Marvin Nabwire were drafted in, while six players; Brian Opondo (Tusker FC), Keith Imbali (Shabana), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), Stafford Odhiambo, Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars) and Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), were dropped from the provisional squad.
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In a major blow to Kenya’s CHAN campaign, forward Emmanuel Osoro has joined Zambian champions Power Dynamos on a three-year deal, ruling him out of the tournament due to CHAN eligibility rules restricting squads to domestic league players only. Osoro, who scored 16 goals for FC Talanta last season, now reunites with Moses Shumah - another CHAN hopeful - who also signed for Power Dynamos earlier this month.
On a brighter note, three Kenyan referees have been appointed to officiate at CHAN 2024. Dickens Mimisa will serve as a centre referee, with Samuel Mwangi named assistant referee and Stephen Yiembe selected as Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
🇰🇪 Match officials on the continental stage!
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) July 16, 2025
Congratulations to Stephen Yiembe, Dickens Mimisa, and Samuel Mwangi on your appointment to officiate at the CHAN 2024 tournament! 👏#TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/qEVWbzAZM7
CHAN 2024 will run from August 2 to 30, jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Kenya will open their campaign against DR Congo on August 3 at Kasarani Stadium.
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