Harambee Stars all set for CHAN 2024 glory

‎Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy made three changes in his final 25-man squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), just days before Kenya kicks off their campaign on Sunday.

‎Shabana’s midfield maestro Brian Michira, Tusker’s engine room enforcer Chrispin Erambo and Sofapaka’s lively forward Edward Omondi have been drafted in to replace Kenya Police’s Mohammed Bajaber and Brian Musa, as well as Bandari’s Swaleh Pamba.

‎McCarthy confirmed that fan favourite Bajaber, who had been tipped to play a key role in midfield, suffered a grade two muscle tear.

‎“Bajaber has been nothing but loyal to this team, but he suffered a grade two muscle tear."

‎"He also got an offer on the table from Simba SC, one of East Africa’s biggest clubs. Rather than risk him, we’ve allowed him to begin his recovery with his prospective new team," McCarthy said.

‎There was more bad news for Police FC's midfielder, Musa was also sidelined by a thigh injury.

‎“Brian Musa pulled his hamstring, and though we’re still waiting on the scans, we couldn’t take any chances. He was pushing hard for a starting place and we’re gutted for him.”

‎Bandari’s Swaleh Pamba, meanwhile, will miss the tournament after being diagnosed with a heart condition, an unfortunate blow for the defender and the team alike.

‎But McCarthy remains upbeat, believing the changes offer a lifeline to players eager to prove themselves on the big stage.

‎"Brian Michira, I am happy for him; he had a good season, but I felt that the players I had selected were the best. But luck favoured him because of player injuries

‎"Now it's his big opportunity to make the opportunity count."

‎Stars are placed in Group A alongside two-time champions DR Congo and Morocco, 2011 runners-up Angola and Zambia.

‎They will open their campaign on Sunday at the Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, against DR Congo.

‎Stars held their final open training session on Wednesday at the Police Sacco stadium.

‎With DR Congo in their sights, McCarthy revealed the team will use the final days to fine-tune tactics and solidify their approach.

‎"We still have two more days to tweak some things, prepare for Congo."

‎He, however, exuded confidence in his charges to perform.

‎"However, we are confident the boys will be ready to give a good performance that the Kenyan faithful deserve. We will make it our quest to have one of our best matches on Sunday because that will set you up for a good tournament."

‎McCarthy believes the opening tie could set the tone for the entire campaign.

‎"Whether it's Chan, a World Cup qualifier, of the World Cup any major tournament, the importance of how good you start sets you up for a good tournament," he added.

‎Still, the former South Africa international was quick to caution against panic should results not go Kenya’s way on matchday one.

‎"But its not the end of the World if we don't have a good opening game."

‎"Argentina, for example, in the World Cup Qatar, they lost against Saudi Arabia in their first match, which they needed to win, but they went on to win the World Cup. So losing the first match is not the end of the World."

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‎CHAN 2024 Final Squad

‎Goal Keepers

‎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

‎Fowards

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