Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, are gearing up for a pivotal two-legged clash against South Sudan in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) CECAFA qualifiers.
Head coach Engin Firat has announced his final squad for the encounter, as the team looks to assert its dominance, despite already securing automatic qualification for the 2025 CHAN tournament.
The 2025 CHAN competition will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1-28, 2025, and while Kenya has guaranteed a spot in the tournament, the team is keen on making a strong statement in the qualifiers.
Key Matches Ahead
The Harambee Stars will first travel to face South Sudan on October 27, 2024, at Juba International Stadium, with kickoff set for 3 PM. The second leg will take place on November 3, 2024, at 4 PM at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.
If Kenya emerges victorious over South Sudan, they will advance to the final phase of the qualifiers, where they will face the winner of the Djibouti vs Rwanda tie. The final phase of the qualifiers is scheduled for December 20-27, 2024.
Boost for CECAFA Region
For the first time, CAF has granted three nations Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania the privilege to co-host the prestigious CHAN tournament, significantly boosting the representation of the CECAFA region in the competition.
In addition to automatic qualification for the three hosts, the region will receive an extra qualification spot, allowing another CECAFA team to participate.
Kenya’s squad is scheduled to travel to Juba on Friday, October 25, 2024, ahead of the crucial first-leg encounter.
Final Harambee Stars Squad for CHAN Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers:
- Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari)
- Farouk Shikalo (KCB)
- Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Defenders:
- Musa Mohammed (Kenya Police FC)
- Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia)
- Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia)
- Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia)
- Bernard Ondiek (Posta Rangers)
- Brian Eshihanda (Kakamega Homeboyz)
- Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks)
- Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC)
Midfielders:
- Vincent Owino (Nairobi City Stars)
- Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC)
- Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police FC)
- Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia)
- Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
- Issa Lumumba (Ulinzi Stars)
- Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars)
- Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC)
- Matthias Isogol (Mara Sugar)
Forwards:
- Victor Omune (AFC Leopards)
- Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards)
- Mathew Tegisi (Shabana)
- Patrick Otieno (KCB)
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