Kenya has withdrawn from the CECAFA-organised pre-CHAN 2024 tournament just hours before its scheduled kickoff, while Senegal has officially confirmed its participation as a late replacement.
The regional competition, which begins on July 21, was designed to help participating nations fine-tune their squads ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Originally, the tournament was set to feature the three CHAN host countries — Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — alongside Congo. However, changes to the lineup were confirmed shortly before the tournament’s start.
Congo, also known as the Red Devils, was initially part of the four-nation competition but has since pulled out. Their place will now be taken by Senegal, with the West African nation stepping in at short notice.
The decision to bring in Senegal comes as a boost for the tournament’s competitiveness, with the Lions of Teranga fielding a strong local-based squad.
Senegal head coach Souleymane Diallo welcomed the opportunity, viewing the tournament as a timely and valuable exercise in his team’s CHAN preparations.
“It’s an opportunity,” he stated, underlining the importance of match practice and team cohesion ahead of the continental championship.
The situation surrounding Kenya’s withdrawal appears more complex. On Monday, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced that the Harambee Stars would not be taking part.
In a statement, the federation explained that the decision was made following a detailed evaluation by the national team’s technical bench, led by head coach Benni McCarthy.
According to the FKF, the withdrawal came after the team’s staff assessed the current logistical and competitive environment surrounding the tournament.
The findings, it stated, revealed that the conditions on offer were “unsuitable for the team’s participation and overall preparation.”
The sudden exit of Kenya, one of the co-hosts of the 2024 CHAN tournament, is likely to raise questions about the nation’s readiness for the main event.
It also puts added focus on Uganda and Tanzania, who now remain the only original hosts still participating in this preparatory competition.
Despite the reshuffling of the lineup, the tournament is set to proceed with four teams — Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, and one remaining host nation.
The games will provide coaches with a critical opportunity to assess their home-based players, as CHAN is exclusively reserved for footballers active in domestic leagues.
Senegal’s involvement injects new energy into the tournament. The West African nation has enjoyed strong recent form at various age levels and in senior competitions, and will be keen to test the depth of its local talent in competitive match settings.
With just days remaining before the tournament’s fixtures begin, attention now turns to the updated match schedule and how each team adapts to the altered dynamics.
For the teams still competing, the CECAFA event remains a crucial platform in the countdown to CHAN 2024.
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) July 21, 2025
