McCarthy’s star men ready to deliver at CHAN show

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy on Wednesday announced the final 25-man squad for Kenya's campaign at the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), set to kick off on Saturday.

The squad blends seasoned campaigners with emerging talents, all eager to make their mark in front of a home crowd and fly the national flag with pride.

The CHAN tournament will kick off on Saturday in Tanzania, with the opening clash set between Tanzania and Burkina Faso at 8 pm at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.

Kenya will host Group A fixtures and the grand final, with matches to be staged at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium.

The Stars find themselves in a challenging Group A, alongside continental heavyweights Angola, DR Congo, Morocco, and Zambia, making their maiden CHAN appearance a true baptism of fire.

The tournament will act as a stepping stone to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with McCarthy placing the nation’s hopes in a carefully curated squad.

Abud Omar

The team will be led by experienced left-back Abud Omar.

The Kenya Police FC defender, who boasts over 40 international caps, returns to the national team fold just months after a controversial red card in a Zanzibar friendly.

His recall has raised eyebrows, but McCarthy has backed the 32-year-old’s leadership and continental pedigree, honed through stints in Greece, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Omar helped Police to their maiden FKF Premier League title last season.

Ryan Ogam

Among the young talents to watch is Tusker FC forward Ryan Ogam, whose pace and goal-scoring instincts earned him a place in McCarthy's squad.

Ogam had netted 15 goals for the Brewers before an injury halted his charge last season, eventually finishing third on the league’s scoring charts behind Moses Shummah (17) and Emmanuel Osoro (16).

McCarthy has also tipped Ogam to be a revelation in the CHAN tournament.

"He is now being converted into a striker, which is right up my street. That is the position I used to play, so I have been having chats with him and telling him we will work a little bit more on the basics."

"He is a player you have to mould and give the right guidance to turn him into a super player," McCarthy said in a previous interview.

Farouk Shikalo

Between the sticks, Bandari FC’s Farouk Shikalo will likely get the nod as Kenya’s first-choice goalkeeper.

With a wealth of domestic and international experience, Shikalo commands his area with authority and is expected to anchor the backline throughout the tournament.

Austine Odhiambo

With fan favourite Mohammed Bajaber ruled out, Gor Mahia playmaker Austine Odhiambo is set to pull the strings in midfield.

Since making his senior debut against Burundi in a World Cup qualifier last June, Odhiambo has netted three times for Kenya, including standout performances against Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Sudan in the CHAN qualifiers.

Brian Michira

Shabana's Brian Michira, who was a late call-up to the Stars squad, will be eager to prove himself and lay down a marker at the tournament.

Michira was integral to Shabana's 2024/25 campaign, which saw him score 12 goals instrumental to Shabana's fifth-place league finish.

Chrispine Erambo

Another key player in the Stars setup, and also a late addition, is Tusker's Chrispine Erambo.

Erambo has been a regular face in the Kenya national team setup and was part of Charles Okere’s quartet that earned call-ups in March this year as Kenya stepped up preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.

Masoud Juma

Another key player in McCarthy's roster will be Masoud Juma, who plies his trade with National Super League (NSL) side Migori Youth FC and brings a wealth of experience to the team.

A former KPL Golden Boot winner with Kariobangi Sharks, Juma has turned out for clubs in Morocco, Libya, Algeria, Iran, and South Africa.

Since making his Harambee Stars debut in 2017, he has scored eight goals in 22 appearances and is expected to play a pivotal role in the CHAN assault.