Harambee Stars name squad for CHAN qualifiers

Harambee Stars players during teams training at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi on September 01, 2024. The Kenya Men’s Senior National Football Team is preparing for 2025 AFCON Qualifier match against Zimbabwe in Uganda on September 06, 2024. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Engin Firat has unveiled his final squad for Kenya’s upcoming 2024 Total Energies African Nations Championship (CHAN) CECAFA qualifiers, as the Harambee Stars gear up for a critical two-legged clash against South Sudan.

While Kenya has already secured automatic qualification for the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1-28, the national team is determined to make a strong statement in the qualifiers.

The Harambee Stars will face South Sudan in the first leg on October 27, at Juba International Stadium, with kickoff set for 3 PM. The return leg is scheduled for November 3 at 4 PM at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.

Should Kenya triumph over South Sudan, they will advance to the final phase of the qualifiers, where they will meet the winner of the Djibouti vs Rwanda tie. The final phase is slated for December 20-27.

For the first time, CAF has granted three nations the opportunity to co-host the prestigious CHAN tournament, and with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania securing automatic qualification, CECAFA is set to enjoy increased representation in the competition.

The region has been awarded an additional spot, meaning one more CECAFA team will qualify for the tournament.

Kenya’s squad is expected to travel to Juba on Friday, October 25, ahead of the crucial first leg tie.

Final Squad

Goalkeepers
Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Farouk Shikalo (KCB), Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz)

Defenders
Musa Mohammed (Kenya Police FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Bernard Ondiek (Posta Rangers), Brian Eshihanda (Kakamega Homeboyz), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC)

Midfielders
Vincent Owino ( Nairobi City Stars), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police FC), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Issa Lumumba (Ulinzi Stars), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC), Matthias Isogol (Mara Sugar), Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks)

Forwards
Victor Omune (AFC Leopards), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Mathew Tegisi (Shabana), Patrick Otieno (KCB)