Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has named a 30-man provisional squad as preparations intensify for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with the country set to co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Among the standout selections are the top three goal scorers in the Kenyan Premier League—Moses Shummah of Kakamega Homeboyz, Emmanuel Osoro of FC Talanta, and Tusker FC’s Ryan Ogam—who have all earned call-ups for the first phase of national team training.
McCarthy, the former South African international striker who now oversees the Harambee Stars, is leading the side through a rigorous training camp aimed at refining tactics and squad cohesion ahead of the continental showpiece.
The squad is dominated by local league talent, as CHAN regulations restrict selection to players actively competing in their home country’s domestic leagues.
Defending national champions Kenya Police FC have four players in the preliminary list, while Gor Mahia and Bandari FC contribute five each, reinforcing their continued dominance in domestic football.
The strong club representation reflects McCarthy’s emphasis on cohesion and familiarity, key components for success in tournament football.
Tusker FC goalkeeper Brian Opondo has also received his first senior national team call-up. After being overlooked for Kenya’s recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the shot-stopper’s recent form has earned him a place among the trio of goalkeepers selected. He joins Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari) and Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks) in the goalkeeping department.
The defenders’ list includes experienced names such as Abud Omar (Kenya Police) and Michael Kibwage (Tusker), alongside promising talents like Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino from Gor Mahia.
AFC Leopards contribute two defenders—Lewis Bandi and Manzur Suleiman—while KCB adds solidity at the back through Kevin Okumu.
In midfield, the selection boasts a mix of creativity and grit, with Alpha Onyango and Austine Odhiambo from Gor Mahia among the key figures expected to provide playmaking abilities.
Kenya Police’s Brian Musa and AFC Leopards’ Kelly Madada also feature prominently, as does Mathias Isogoli of KCB.
Up front, all eyes will be on the trio of top scorers: Moses Shummah, Emmanuel Osoro, and Ryan Ogam. Shummah has been a revelation this season with Kakamega Homeboyz, while Osoro and Ogam have consistently impressed for FC Talanta and Tusker respectively. Their inclusion adds firepower and depth to a frontline that also features Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), and Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police).
Kenya will compete in Group A at CHAN 2024, facing formidable opposition in DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. As hosts, the Harambee Stars will hope to leverage home support and the momentum generated from a strong training camp to advance deep into the tournament.
Full Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari)
Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks)
Brian Opondo (Tusker FC)
Defenders:
Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC)
Manzur Suleiman (KCB)
Pamba Swaleh (Bandari FC)
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)
Attackers:
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)
Final squad decisions are expected in the coming weeks as Kenya sharpens its focus on delivering a strong performance on home soil.
