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CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
McCarthy rings changes as Kenya fine-tunes CHAN 2024 squad ahead of DR Congo opener
Published: Monday, 28 July 2025 Kenya head coach Bennie McCarthy has made late adjustments to his Harambee Stars squad just days before the country kicks off its maiden campaign at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. With concerns over player fitness and a desire to bolster depth in key areas, McCarthy has called up defensive midfielder Chris Erambo of Tusker FC, forward Brian Michira from Shabana FC, and reinstated Edward Omondi of Sofapaka FC, who was part of the earlier provisional squad. The changes come as attacking midfielder and fan favourite Mohamed Bejaber remains a major doubt for the tournament due to a thigh injury. Fellow players Brian Musa and Marvin Nabwire are also nursing knocks, casting doubt over their availability for the opening fixture. Kenya, making its first-ever appearance in the CHAN tournament, will face a stern test in their Group A opener against DR Congo this Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. DR Congo, two-time CHAN champions, will pose a formidable challenge for the hosts. Despite the injury concerns, spirits remain high in the Harambee Stars camp, buoyed by strong fan interest. Tickets for the opening fixture are already selling out fast, reflecting Kenya's renewed passion for international football. Remarkably, this will be only Kenya's second international match in four years, following a lengthy suspension from international football. Their return in March, when they hosted Gabon in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd at Nyayo, underlining the appetite for top-tier football in the country. As co-hosts of CHAN 2024, alongside East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, Kenya qualified automatically for the tournament. The team will be eager to make a strong impression on home soil, with coach McCarthy tasked with not only shaping a competitive squad but also reigniting the pride of a nation in transition. With group fixtures against Angola, Morocco, and DR Congo, the Harambee Stars face a steep mountain—but one they're determined to climb with courage, discipline, and the roar of the home crowd behind them.
CAF
16-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
McCarthy rings changes as Kenya refines CHAN 2024 squad
Published: Wednesday, 16 July 2025 Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has trimmed his CHAN 2024 provisional squad as the Harambee Stars intensify preparations for the tournament they will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania from August 2 to 30. With just weeks to go before the curtain-raiser against DR Congo at Nairobi's Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, the South African tactician has made five changes to his 30-man training camp roster. Notably, veteran goalkeeper Bryne Omondi—currently unattached after parting ways with Bandari FC—has been recalled, adding valuable experience between the posts. McCarthy also brought back Kenya Police FC's midfield anchor Marvin Nabwire, reinforcing the engine room with physical presence and versatility. However, five players have been released after falling short of expectations during the initial phase of camp, including Tusker FC goalkeeper Brian Opondo, AFC Leopards' Kelly Madada, Shabana FC's Keith Imbali, and Ulinzi Stars duo Yakeen Muteheli and Staphod Odhiambo. Kenya, drawn into Group A—arguably the 'Group of Death'—will face heavyweights DR Congo, Morocco, Zambia, and Angola in what promises to be a demanding campaign. Yet, optimism abounds in the Kenyan camp, especially with local stars stepping up. The country's top three domestic league scorers—Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), and Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC)—have all been retained, underlining McCarthy's desire to inject attacking firepower and reward domestic form. Record champions Gor Mahia and coastal side Bandari FC dominate the roster with five players each, while national league title holders Kenya Police FC contribute four, including vice-captain Abud Omar and utility man Brian Musa. McCarthy, appointed earlier this year, has emphasized structure, discipline, and player development since taking over the reins. With the Harambee Stars chasing a historic run on home soil, the South African legend is expected to blend youth and experience as he eyes a strong start in front of passionate home support. The team will continue training at high altitude before shifting base to CHAN facilities designated by the Local Organising Committee. Kenya kicks off their campaign against DR Congo on August 3 at Kasarani, while Nyayo Stadium will also host key Group A matches throughout the tournament. Kenya Provisional CHAN 2024 Squad Goalkeepers Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC) Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks) Bryne Omondi (Unattached) 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 FC) Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police) Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards) Kevin Okumu (KCB) Midfielders Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia) Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police) Brian Musa (Kenya Police) Mathias Isogoli (KCB) Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia) Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia) Forwards Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police) Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars) David Sakwa (Bandari FC) Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta) Edward Omondi (Sofapaka) Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC) Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz) Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC)
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Stellies release former Sundowns defender Onyango
Onyango first arrived in South Africa in 2012 to join Santos from Tusker FC. Stellenbosch FC has confirmed the departure of defender Brian Onyango, following the expiry of his contract. The 30-year-old Kenyan defender joined Stellies at the beginning of last season after he was released by Mamelodi Sundowns. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Maboe faces uncertain future However, after making only eight appearances during the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, the Cape Winelands outfit has decided to cut ties with him. 'Stellenbosch Football Club can confirm that Brian Onyango has departed the club following the expiration of his contract,' read a statement from Stellies. 'Onyango joined Stellenbosch at the start of the 2024-25 campaign and made eight appearances across all competitions, helping the club reach the MTN8 final and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup. 'During his time in the Cape Winelands, the towering defender also returned to the Kenya national team for the first time in nearly two years to become just the third non-South African player to represent his country while on the books of Stellenbosch. 'Everyone at Stellenbosch FC would like to thank Brian for his service to the club and wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.' ALSO READ: Chiefs among clubs interested in City forward Onyango first arrived in South Africa in 2012 to join Santos from Tusker FC. The lanky defender has also played for Maritzburg United, now Durban City, and Sundowns.
