CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Names Final Harambee Stars Squad, Masoud Juma Leads
- Benni McCarthy has unveiled his final 25-man squad for the African Nations Championships (CHAN)
- Kenya Police sensation Mohamed Bajaber has been included even as concerns continue over his fitness
- Harambee Stars are in the Group of Death as they play two two-time champions in Morocco and DR Congo in Group A
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The head coach of Kenya's men's national football team, Benni McCarthy, has named his final squad for the African Nations Championships.
Source: Twitter
McCarthy named his squad ahead of the July 23 deadline for all 19 teams to submit their squads.
CHAN will kick off on August 2 at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam when Tanzania take on Burkina Faso.
Kenya will be in action a day later when they kickstart their campaign against two-time winners DR Congo at the Kasarani Stadium.
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Masoud Juma leads Harambee Stars squad
McCarthy has named a strong squad that will do duty. Masoud Juma headlines the squad after the experienced striker was signed by a National Super League side.
He will lead the line alongside Tusker FC's Ryan Ogam, Bandari FC's David Sakwa and Posta Rangers' Felix Oluoch.
Mohammed Bajaber will man the flanks alongside Ulinzi Stars' Boniface Muchiri. Shabana FC's Austin 'Lastborn' Odongo is also in the squad.
In midfield, last season's Most Valuable Player, Austine Odhiambo, is in, alongside his Gor Mahia teammates, Alpha Onyango and Ben Stanley. Others include Brian Musa and Marvin Nabwire.
Captain Aboud Omar leads the defence with recent stars from AFCON U20 Swaleh Pamba, Kevin Okumu, and Lewis Bandi earning call-ups as well.
Omar will be deputised by Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija in the leadership group.
Fans' reactions to Harambee Stars squad
Fans have reacted to the squad as they prepare to cheer on the team on home soil.
Sally Bolo, who is also Gor Mahia's vice president, said,
"Best of luck to our boys as they head into the CHAN tournament. We’re fully behind you. Make the most of the home ground advantage and make Kenya proud."
TemperCR7 said,
"A good team! Reminder players watano hapo ni wa Gor Mahia! Honestly, I want to see Marvin's partnership with Austin. Also rooting for Felix Oluoch"
While Juma Bet said,
"The squad's locked in! Coach Benni McCarthy mixing experience with that raw talent – Masoud Juma and Austin Odhiambo looking sharp up front. With our home venues at CAF Category Four status, Harambee Stars are ready to make some noise at CHAN 2024! Squad's got that winning balance. Tupatane Kasarani! "
Source: Twitter
Harambee Stars matches at CHAN 2024
Kenya will play all their group games at the Kasarani Stadium. After DR Congo on August 3, they will play Angola on August 7.
McCarthy's charges will then face another stern test when they play two-time winners Morocco before wrapping up their group stage campaign against Zambia.
Harambee Stars' CHAN 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders
Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders
Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Fowards
Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch
McCarthy denies claims of squad interference
McCarthy also resented claims that some unnamed people with the federation had called up players without his approval.
A couple of other players were added and others sent home to the provisional squad before the team went to Tanzania.
Reports emerged that McCarthy was being sabotaged, something he strongly refuted.
“I have been fully involved in every decision. Only one player was added to the initial squad, and that was done in consultation with the technical bench"
Why Masoud Juma has been included
McCarthy also clarified that Masoud Juma had been signed by an NSL club, hence his inclusion in the training camp and subsequent selection in the final squad.
CHAN is reserved for players who turn out for local sides, and thus Juma's inclusion had raised some eyebrows given that he isn't attached to any local team.
The former Kariobangi Sharks striker was until recently in Iran with Esteghal FC.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
