Kenya’s Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has revealed his final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2024 Total Energies African Nations Championship (CHAN) CECAFA qualifiers.
The squad is set to face South Sudan in a crucial two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled for October 27 at Juba International Stadium, and the return leg on November 3 at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.
Goalkeepers Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Farouk Shikalo (KCB), and Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz) will be responsible for guarding the posts, while a solid defense led by experienced Musa Mohammed (Kenya Police FC) and Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia) will provide the backbone for the team.
Other defenders include Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Bernard Ondiek (Posta Rangers), Brian Eshihanda (Kakamega Homeboyz), and Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC).
In midfield, key players like Vincent Owino (Nairobi City Stars), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police FC), and Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars) will be expected to dictate the pace and control of the game.
They will be joined by Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Issa Lumumba (Ulinzi Stars), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC), Matthias Isogol (Mara Sugar), and Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks).
Kenya’s attack will be spearheaded by Victor Omune and Sydney Lokale from AFC Leopards, along with Mathew Tegisi (Shabana) and Patrick Otieno (KCB), as they aim to secure a vital win in the qualifiers.
While Kenya has already qualified for the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1-28, the national team is keen to make an impression in the qualifiers and build momentum ahead of the tournament. Firat’s squad will travel to Juba on October 25 to prepare for the first leg.
A victory over South Sudan would propel Kenya to the final phase of the qualifiers, where they would face the winner of the Djibouti vs Rwanda clash. The final phase is set to take place from December 20-27.
CAF’s decision to allow Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to co-host the prestigious CHAN tournament has brought additional excitement to the region, with CECAFA guaranteed increased representation. With an additional qualifying spot, one more CECAFA nation will have the opportunity to join the tournament.
Final Squad
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), 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), Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks)
Forwards
Victor Omune (AFC Leopards), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Mathew Tegisi (Shabana), Patrick Otieno (KCB)
