Kenya names provisional squad for CHAN 2024

Harambee Stars line up before their match against Burkina Faso on Saturday 12 December 2024 (C) FKF Media

By Erick Kariuki
Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Kenya has named a 30-man provisional squad for CHAN 2025, featuring a mix of local league talent as the Harambee Stars prepare to kick off their campaign at home against DR Congo on August 3.

Kenya has unveiled a 30-man provisional squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to kick off on August 2. The regional tournament, open only to players plying their trade in domestic leagues, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

With the Harambee Stars playing their group matches at home, head coach Benni McCarthy has selected a blend of experienced heads and rising talents keen to shine on the continental stage.

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Between the posts, the coach has called up Bandari’s Faruk Shikhalo, Kariobangi Sharks’ Sebastian Wekesa, and Tusker’s Brian Opondo - three goalkeepers offering both experience and reliability.

In defence, the squad features a solid mix of fullbacks and centre-halves. Bandari's Siraj Mohammed and Pamba Swaleh, along with Kenya Police duo Abud Omar and Daniel Sakari, bring mobility and width. Central defensive options include Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Michael Kibwage (Tusker), Manzur Suleiman and Kevin Okumu (both KCB), and Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards).

The midfield unit combines grit, creativity, and control. Brian Musa (Kenya Police), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), and Keith Imbali (Shabana) will likely anchor the middle of the park. Further up, the likes of Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, and Ben Stanley (all from Gor Mahia), along with Mathias Isogoli (KCB) and Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), offer technical quality and attacking drive.

The forward line features both speed and flair. Wingers Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), Boniface Muchiri and Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), and Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta) will be key to stretching defences and creating opportunities. Leading the line will be strikers Ryan Ogam (Tusker), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), and Beja Nyamawi (Bandari).

Kenya has been drawn in Group A alongside DR Congo, Angola, and Morocco. The Harambee Stars open their campaign on Sunday, August 3, against DR Congo at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. They will face Angola on Wednesday, August 6, before wrapping up the group stage under the lights against Morocco on Saturday, August 9 at 6:00 p.m.

CAF has confirmed the opening match of the tournament will take place on August 2 in Dar es Salaam, where hosts Tanzania face Burkina Faso. Other group matches will be held in Kampala and Zanzibar.

With home advantage and a squad featuring talent from across the FKF Premier League, Kenya will be hoping for a strong showing as they target a historic first-ever CHAN title on home soil.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC)

Defenders: Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Manzur Suleiman (KCB), Pamba Swaleh (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Michael Kibwage (Tusker), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Kevin Okumu (KCB)

Midfielders: Brian Musa (Kenya Police), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Keith Imbali (Shabana), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (KCB), Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia)

Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), Ryan Ogam (Tusker), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari)