Masoud Juma A surprise inclusion while Benni McCarthy appoints the Kenya final team for Chan

With only twelve days to play before the African Nations Championship tournament (Chan) in 2024, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, head coach of Harambee stars, Benni McCarthy, officially appointed his team of 25 men with the striker Masoud Juma making the final list.

The 29 -year -old striker, the last passage of which was with the Iranian team Esteghlal FC, was recalled to the team after the team lost the services of the attackers Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro. The two players have become unacceptable to represent Kenya in the tournament reserved for players who play in their respective local leagues after signing permanent contracts of two years with the champions of the Zambian Super League Power Dynamos.

The duo’s release has left McCarthy with very few options in the striking area before settling down for Juma, who has so far achieved 22 appearances for Harambee Stars and has scored eight goals.

While defending the selection of Juma, the South African legend said: “Masoud (JUMA) is a player with whom I worked before, and he offered himself after having signed a contract with a national Super League team (NSL). He is eligible to participate.”

In the objectives, McCarthy kept the faith with Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa and Byrne Omondi, which was recently recalled after separating from the Bandari FC, while the defensive line has seasoned players such as Boud Omar, Michael Kibwage, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage And Daniel Sakari.

They are supplemented by an exciting young talent for the recent U20 campaign of the African Cup (Afcon), Manzur Suleiman. Swaleh Pamba, Kevin Okumu and Lewis Bandi, made their senior team debut.

Austin Odhiambo will anchor the midfielderFKF media

In the midfield, the former Deputy Coach of Manchester United has brought together a well -balanced nucleus with Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley and Marvin Nabwire.

The management of the attack will be Juma, supported by Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Mudiri and Ryan Ogam. David Sakwa, Austin Odongo and Felix Ooluoch.

Aboud Omar to Captain Harambee Stars

Aboud Omar will be Captain KenyaFKF media

McCarthy also confirmed that the team would be captain by Aboud Omar, who reveals himself locally for the champion of the Premier League of Kenya Federation (FKF), the Kenya Police FC, and he will be assisted by Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija.

Kenya was drawn in group A alongside continental heavyweights Dr Congo, Angola, Morocco and Zambia. Harambee Stars will launch their campaign on August 3, 2025 against Dr. Congo, followed by clashes against Angola and Morocco, before finishing the group phase with a match against Zambia. Stars will play all their group matches at the International Sports Center ego in Kasarani.

Kenya will make its debut in Chan, gracked their role as three co-hosts of the tournament, alongside the neighbors of East Africa, Uganda and Tanzania. Despite being newcomers, there is growing optimism in the Harambee stars camp, with McCarthy confident in the preparation of the team.

Founded in 2009 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Chan is a biennial tournament that exclusively presents active players in the national leagues of their country.

Unlike the African Cup of Nations (Afcon), no player abroad is eligible, making Chan a real celebration of local talents and local football ecosystems.

Squad Chan 2024 of Kenya;

Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa

Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Aboud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu.

Fields: Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire.

Attacker: Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Mudiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Ooluoch.