Harambee Stars' Mohammed Bajaber in action against the Gambia during a 2026 World Cup qualifier in March/HANDOUT
Harambee Stars' head coach Benni McCarthy believes the Cecafa Four Nations Cup, scheduled for July 24–27, 2025, at Karatu Stadium in Arusha, Tanzania, will help them sharpen their talons for the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
The Cecafa Four Nations Cup stands as a significant milestone, a prelude to the grander spectacle of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). The tournament promises to be a crucible for the participating teams, particularly for Kenya's national team, the Harambee Stars.
The Stars are well-positioned to use this competition as a vital platform for improving their abilities and assembling their team in advance of the eagerly awaited CHAN 2024, thanks to head coach Benni McCarthy.
The four-team competition brings together regional rivals Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Sudan in a streamlined format that allows teams to refine their tactics and assess squad depth before the continental showcase, which only features players from the local area. McCarthy believes the showpiece is a strategic preparatory phase for the Stars, who are eager to refine their tactics and assess their squad depth.
"It is a perfect opportunity for us to know how fit we are as we prepare for CHAN. All the players now have an opportunity to fight for inclusion in the final squad," he said. The structure of the Cecafa Four Nations Cup is straightforward yet compelling. The tournament kicks off with Kenya facing the hosts, Tanzania, on Matchday 1.
Earlier that day, Uganda will take on Sudan, setting the stage for an electrifying day of football. The winners from these matches will advance to the final on July 27, while the losing teams will contest the third-place playoff. This streamlined format allows for intense competition and provides teams with the chance to refine their tactics in a short span. The development comes a day after McCarthy unveiled his provisional squad for the upcoming CHAN.
The team represents the finest local talent and is selected from the FKF Premier League. As the tournament approaches, McCarthy's unveiling of the provisional squad for CHAN reflects a commitment to harnessing the finest local talent.
Selected from the FKF Premier League, the squad features a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers. Leading the charge in attack are the league's top scorers: Ryan Ogam, Emmanuel Osoro, and Moses Shuma, each having demonstrated their goal-scoring prowess with 17, 16, and 15 goals, respectively.
In midfield, Mohammed Bajaber of Kenya Police FC is expected to provide the creative spark that could prove pivotal in unlocking opposing defences.
The inclusion of first-time national team call-ups, such as Keith Imbali and the Ulinzi Stars duo of Yakeen Muteheli and Staphod Odhiambo, injects fresh energy and enthusiasm into the squad.
