Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat Names Final Squad for CHAN Qualifiers Against South Sudan

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has unveiled his final squad for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) CECAFA qualifiers, as Kenya prepares to face South Sudan. Despite already securing automatic qualification for the 2025 CHAN tournament—co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—Firat and his team are determined to make a bold statement in the qualifiers.

The first leg will take place on October 27, 2024, at the Juba International Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3 PM. Kenya will then host the return leg on November 3, 2024, at 4 PM at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda. Should Kenya overcome South Sudan, they will progress to the final qualification phase, where they will face either Djibouti or Rwanda between December 20-27, 2024.

Firat has made some significant changes to the squad, including dropping veteran goalkeeper Patrick Matasi. In his place, Kenya U20 shot-stopper Ibrahim Wanjala (Kakamega Homeboyz) and KCB’s Farouk Shikalo have been called up. The defense sees the return of Musa Mohammed (Kenya Police FC), while  Mara Sugar’s Mathias Isogol has earned his first-ever call-up to the national team, showcasing Firat’s commitment to fresh talent.

Kenya’s final squad is a mix of experienced players and newcomers, with Gor Mahia contributing five players—the highest number from any club. Police FC follows closely, supplying four players, while KCB, Kakamega Homeboyz, AFC Leopards, and Ulinzi Stars each contribute two players. The remaining slots are filled by representatives from Posta Rangers, Nairobi City Stars, Tusker FC, Mara Sugar, Kariobangi Sharks, Shabana, and Bandari FC.

Interestingly, Sofapaka FC, Bidco United, FC Talanta, and Mathare United are the only top-tier teams without a representative in the squad.

Kenya’s Final Squad for CHAN CECAFA Qualifiers

Goalkeepers:
– Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari)
– Farouk Shikalo (KCB)
– Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz)

Defenders:
– Musa Mohammed (Kenya Police FC)
– Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia)
– Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia)
– Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia)
– Bernard Ondiek (Posta Rangers)
– Brian Eshihanda (Kakamega Homeboyz)
– Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC)

Midfielders:
– Vincent Owino (Nairobi City Stars)
– Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC)
– Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police FC)
– Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia)
– Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
– Issa Lumumba (Ulinzi Stars)
– Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars)
– Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC)
– Matthias Isogol (Mara Sugar)
– Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks)

Forwards:
– Victor Omune (AFC Leopards)
– Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards)
– Mathew Tegisi (Shabana)
– Patrick Otieno (KCB)