McCarthy makes three changes to the final Kenya squad 

By Dennis Mabuka

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has been forced yet again to reshuffle his squad with only two days remaining before Harambee Stars kick off their African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, August 2.

The South African legend has been forced to move quickly and replace Mohammed Bajaber, Swaleh Pamba, and Brian Musa, who will now miss the tournament, owing to various reasons.

While Bajaber is already in Tanzania to seal a deal with giants Simba SC, Pamba and Musa have been ruled out owing to injuries. 

Shabana midfielder Brian Michira, Tusker’s midfielder Chrispin Erambo, and Sofapaka’s forward Edward Omondi have now been called in to replace the trio.

The three changes came just a few weeks after McCarthy recalled striker Masoud Juma into the squad following the exit of Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro.

 Both players became ineligible to represent Kenya in the tournament reserved for players who play in their respective local leagues, after signing a two-year permanent contract each with Zambian Super League champions Power Dynamos.

The duo’s exit left McCarthy with very few options in the striking area before settling for Juma, who has so far managed 22 appearances for Harambee Stars and scored eight goals. 

While defending the selection of Juma, the South African legend said: “Masoud (Juma) is a player I’ve worked with before, and he offered himself after signing a contract with a National Super League (NSL) side. He is eligible to participate.”

Kenya has been drawn in Group A alongside continental heavyweights DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia.

Harambee Stars will kick off their campaign on August 3, 2025, against DR Congo, followed by clashes against Angola and Morocco, before wrapping up the group stage with a match against Zambia. Stars will play all their group matches at Kasarani.

Kenya will be making their debut in the CHAN, courtesy of their role as one of three co-hosts of the tournament, alongside East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania. Despite being newcomers, there is growing optimism in the Harambee Stars camp, with McCarthy confident in the team’s readiness.

Founded in 2009 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CHAN is a biennial tournament that exclusively features players who are active in their country’s domestic leagues.

Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), no foreign-based players are eligible, making CHAN a true celebration of homegrown talent and local football ecosystems.

Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 Final Squad:

Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa; 

Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu; 

Midfielders: Chrispine Erambo, Brian Michira, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire; 

Forwards: Edward Omondi, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch.