The Harambee Stars have unveiled a 30-man provisional squad ahead of their debut at the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025, with head coach Benni McCarthy banking on homegrown talent to guide the team through their historic campaign.
The squad, announced on Monday, July 8, 2025, comprises players exclusively from the FKF Premier League, in accordance with CHAN regulations that allow only domestic league players to participate.
Kenya, placed in a competitive Group B alongside DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia, will kick off their campaign on August 3 against DR Congo at the Kasarani Stadium. The team reports to camp on July 10 to begin preparations for the tournament, which is being co-hosted for the first time by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2 to 30.
Top Scorers Lead the Line
Kakamega Homeboyz striker Moses Shummah, FC Talanta’s Emmanuel Osoro, and Tusker’s Ryan Ogam headline the forward line, having been the standout scorers in the league. Sofapaka’s Edward Omondi also earned a call-up following an impressive domestic season.
In midfield, Mohammed Bajaber of Kenya Police will provide creative impetus, supported by rising stars Keith Imbali (Shabana) and first-time call-ups Yakeen Muteheli and Staphod Odhiambo from Ulinzi Stars.
Defensive Solidity
The backline boasts experienced names like Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Michael Kibwage (Tusker), and Gor Mahia duo Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino. Kariobangi Sharks’ Sebastian Wekesa and Tusker’s Brian Opondo are among the three goalkeepers selected.
Omissions Raise Eyebrows
Notable omissions from the provisional squad include Shabana’s Brian Michira, the Kenya Police midfield pair of Alvin Mang’eni and Marvin Nabwire, KCB winger James Kinyanjui, and AFC Leopards forward Musa Oundo.
Coach McCarthy, who took over in early 2025, has emphasized discipline, tactical organization, and the elevation of local league talent as core pillars of his CHAN strategy.
“This tournament is a chance for our local players to show they can compete at continental level. We’ve picked based on form, fitness, and team chemistry,” McCarthy said in a statement.
With the spotlight on East African football during the month-long CHAN 2025 tournament, Kenya’s performance will be closely watched by fans and scouts across the continent.
Provisional Harambee Stars Squad – CHAN 2025
Goalkeepers:
Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari)
Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks)
Brian Opondo (Tusker)
Defenders:
Siraj Mohammed (Bandari), Manzur Suleiman (KCB), Pamba Swaleh (Bandari),
Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia),
Michael Kibwage (Tusker), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards),
Kevin Okumu (KCB)
Midfielders:
Brian Musa (Kenya Police), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Keith Imbali (Shabana),
Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (KCB), Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars),
Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia)
Forwards:
Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari),
Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka),
Ryan Ogam (Tusker), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari)
