CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Names Final Harambee Stars Squad after Three Players Withdraw

• Harambee Stars' final squad has been released by head coach Benni McCarthy after three players pulled out
• Kenya will open their tournament against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, before facing Angola three days later
• McCarthy's team will be under pressure to perform in front of the home fans for the next month

Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy has named his final squad for the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

Harambee Stars have been ramping up in training this month, but injuries have forced some key players to withdraw.

Kenya also withdrew from the Four Nations tournament, which was intended to help McCarthy's team prepare for the competition co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Who is in Harambee Stars final CHAN 2024 squad?

Three players, including the exciting Mohammed Bajaber, withdrew due to injury. Swaleh Pamba and Brian Musa are other players who will not be involved in the tournament.

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Sofapaka's Edward Omondi, Shabana's Brian Michira and Tusker's Chrispine Erambo have been recalled to replace the trio. Bajaber was the only player named in the provisional squad earlier this month.

Bajaber, who scored a stunning goal for Kenya in the World Cup qualifiers, is reportedly closer to joining Tanzanian giants Simba SC.

Kenya kicks off their tournament on Sunday, August 3, against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Kasarani Stadium.

CHAN 2024 Final Squad

Goalkeepers

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.

How did Kenyans react to Harambee Stars' final squad?

@Dokuh9:

"I'm patriotic but with these forward sioni tukishinda any game."

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@patmaichbmf:

"We’re supporting you the whole way."

@BensonOmay37723:

"Ticket nilinunua juu ya Bajaber! Naeza pata refund sasa."

@SawePeter3:

"Squad iko sawa sasa."

Which teams are playing at CHAN 2024?

Aside from the host nations, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, every region across the African continent will be represented.

North Africa will be represented by two-time champions Morocco and former hosts Algeria. South Africa, Zambia, and Angola will represent southern Africa.

Group A: Kenya, DR Congo, Zambia, Morocco, Angola

Group B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic

Group C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Algeria, South Africa

Group D: Senegal, Congo, Nigeria, Sudan

Harambee Stars are playing in their first CHAN tournament and their first major football tournament since the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

All you need to know about CHAN 2024

In a related story, TUKO.co.ke explained everything you need to know about CHAN 2024.

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Morocco and DR Congo have won the tournament before and are seen as the favourites.

The tournament started in 2009 and has been used to showcase Africa's locally based talents. The tournament has become a huge event and has given players from domestic leagues tournament experience.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke