Harambee Stars Coach Hints at Recalling CHAN Players for Seychelles Match After Gambia Loss

Harambee Stars assistant coach Vasili Manousakis has hinted at major changes in Tuesday’s match against Seychelles.

Kenya saw their gameplan exposed by The Gambia on Friday when they were beaten 3-1 at home with all goals scored in the first half.

That raised questions over coach Benni McCarthy’s selection with a feeling among fans that he should have fielded most of the players who impressed at CHAN 2024.

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However, McCarthy defended his decision, insisting the CHAN players were still not ready for international matches, but according to his deputy, changes are set to be effected to the squad on Tuesday.

“Obviously, I won’t throw out the names right now, but there will be some changes. We saw the impact of the changes that we made during Gambia and the momentum it gave us,” said Manousakis, hinting at the possibility of utilising the CHAN players.

“We changed the shape, and changed the system three to four times during that match. I think we can expect a couple of changes.”

Manousakis’ sentiments suggest a number of CHAN players will get opportunities after an improved second half against The Gambia following the introduction of Manzur Okwaro and Alpha Onyango before goal scorer Ryan Ogam and Boniface Muchiri.

Defender Collins Sichenje agrees with that assessment and hopes to see more of the CHAN players in the squad against the island nation.

“When they came in, they showed bravery and quality, and we were able to organise as a team,” said Sichenje.

“As you could see, everyone in the second half was comfortable, and the position play was good. They brought in some good energy when we were fighting to get the goals back, but we sadly lost, which is part of football and learning.”

Kenya will face Seychelles at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday afternoon looking to hand the island nation another loss, having beaten them 5-0 in their last meeting in November 2023.