CECAFA 'dissapointed' after Kenya withdraws from Four Nations Tournament

Harambee Stars team/FILE

Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has expressed disappointment after Harambee Stars abruptly pulled out of the Four Nations Tournament just days before kickoff.

The tournament, set to begin on July 21, 2025, in Arusha, Tanzania, will now proceed without Kenya, who had already arrived in the host city by July 19 and was scheduled to open the competition against the hosts.

The Council's Secretary General Auka Gecheo stated that the decision caught organisers off guard, especially after efforts had been made to accommodate Kenya's requests.

“We find the withdrawal of Kenya to be unfair, especially after extensive efforts were made to meet the federation’s requests,” Gecheo said.

Despite the setback, the regional football body confirmed the tournament would go on as planned with the remaining teams: Uganda, Tanzania, and Senegal — the reigning African Nations Championship (CHAN) champions.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) defended its decision, stating that the withdrawal was based on recommendations from Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy and the technical bench.

The team reportedly raised concerns over the conditions in Arusha, which they felt were unsuitable for high-level competition and could hamper their preparations for the upcoming CHAN qualifiers.

“This decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team’s technical bench after a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions, which were deemed unsuitable for the team’s participation and overall preparation,” FKF said in a statement.

The federation emphasised that the decision was taken in the best interest of the team’s long-term goals.

“Our focus now shifts fully to ensuring optimal readiness for the CHAN qualifiers,” the statement read.

“We remain committed to providing the national team with the best possible environment to compete and represent the country with pride.”

Kenya's withdrawal is the third from the tournament, following earlier pullouts by Sudan and Congo Brazzaville, further reducing the competition's original lineup.

The Harambee Stars have since returned to Kenya, where they are expected to resume training as they prepare to co-host the CHAN tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.