Kenya withdrew from the Cecafa Four Nations tournament citing unsuitable conditions

The Kenya national team, Harambee, will not appear in the Cecafa Four Nations tournament after their release, citing conditions unsuitable for the team’s participation and the general preparations before the African Nations Championship tournament (Chan) in 2024 in August.

The Harambee stars were among the four nations invited for the tournament organized by the Council of East Africa and Central Africa (CECAFA), as part of their preparations for the Chan tournament which they co-organize alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Kenya, who went to Arusha for the tournament via an chartered flight, was initially to face his rivals in Uganda on the day of opening, only for Cecafa to reprogrambé the matches on Sunday. After the changes, Kenya was fired to start against Tanzania at the Karatu stadium in Arusha.

Kenya ready to go home

Although he arrived safely in Arusha on Saturday and held his first training before the tournament on Sunday July 20, the Kenya Football Federation (FKF) confirmed the withdrawal of the tournament team and also declared that they would immediately return home and focus on the CHAN preparations which take place from August 2 to 30.

“”The Kenya Football Federation (FKF) wishes to inform the public that the Harambee stars have withdrawn from the Cecafa Four Nations tournament in TanzaniaRead part of the FKF instruction obtained by Flashscore.

“”This decision was made following the team’s recommendations and advice of the team’s technical bench, led by head coach Benni McCarthy, after an in-depth evaluation of the dominant conditions, which were deemed unsuitable for the participation of the team and the overall preparations.

“The team will return to Kenya and resume preparations for the next Africa Nations (Chan) 2024 Nations Championships, with a complete concentration now to ensure optimal preparation for the upcoming assignment.

“FKF remains determined to provide the national team with the best environment possible to compete and represent the country with pride.”

McCarthy had praised the Cecafa tournament

South African legend had welcomed the Cecafa Four Nations tournament, which, according to him, would provide good land to test his team.

“”I am very happy with the calendar of this tournament because it will give our players a good field to continue preparing well before the Chan tournament“Said McCarthy, before the team left for Arusha.

“”It is a good tournament to assess our preparation for Chan. We are going to face great opponents, and it will clearly show us what works and what to be repaired. “”

The tournament, which will also feature Senegal, could have offered McCarthy an excellent opportunity to assess the preparation of its team before the Chan tournament.

McCarthy had appointed a large team of 25 men for the tournament, the goalkeeper service being held by the experienced goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo, alongside Byrne Omondi and Sepstianos Wekesa, while the defense line included Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi and Kevin Okumu.

The Midfield Consisted of A Mix of Youth and Experience, With Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Staneny, and Marvin Nabwire Making the Squad, While The Team Boasted A promising Attacking Force Led by the Experienced Masud, Boniface Muchiri, Bajaber, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, and Austin Odongo.

However, McCarthy was already ready to miss the services of the attackers – Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro – both become unacceptable to appear in the Chan tournament after having signed permanent contracts of two years with the Dynamos of the secondary power of the Zambian Super League.

Shumah was the top scorer of the Premier League of the Kenya Football Federation (FKF) who has just concluded with 17 goals for Kakamega Homeboyz, followed by Osoro, who scored 16 goals and provided seven assists for FC Talanta.

The Stars of Harambee, which are attracted to group A – undoubtedly the “group of death” – will face Dr. Congo, Morocco, Zambia and Angola in what promises to be a demanding campaign.