Masoud Juma Earns Spot as Benni McCarthy Names Final 25-Man Squad For CHAN 2024 Tournament

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has officially unveiled his final 25-man squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to kick off on August 2, 2025.

 This year’s tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with all of Kenya’s Group A matches scheduled to be played at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Among the key highlights is the inclusion of forward Masoud Juma, who recently signed for a National Super League club.

 His experience will be crucial in leading the attack. Veteran goalkeeper Byrne Omondi also returns to the squad, bringing leadership to a strong goalkeeping unit that includes Faruk Shikhalo and Sebastian Wekesa.

Captain Abud Omar will anchor the defense alongside seasoned campaigners Siraj Mohammed, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, and Daniel Sakari. 

Rising stars from Kenya’s AFCON U20 team, including Manzur Suleiman, Lewis Bandi, Swaleh Pamba, and Kevin Okumu, will inject youthful energy into the squad.

The midfield boasts a dynamic mix of creativity and grit with Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Brian Musa, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire.

Joining Juma in the attacking department are Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, and Ryan Ogam. Making their senior debuts are David Sakwa, Austin Odongo, and Felix Oluoch.

Leadership Structure and Group A Fixtures

Abud Omar will captain the side, assisted by Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija.

Kenya, making its CHAN debut, faces a tough Group A lineup including DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia. The full fixture list is as follows:

Kenya vs DR Congo | Sunday, August 3 | 3:00 PM

Angola vs Kenya | Thursday, August 7 | 7:00 PM

Kenya vs Morocco | Sunday, August 10 | 3:00 PM

Zambia vs Kenya | Sunday, August 17 | 3:00 PM

With passionate home support expected at Kasarani, Harambee Stars will be banking on home advantage to make a memorable run in their inaugural CHAN campaign.

Goalkeepers:

Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, Byrne Omondi

Defenders:

Abud Omar, Siraj Mohammed, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Manzur Suleiman, Swaleh Pamba, Kevin Okumu, Lewis Bandi

Midfielders:

Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire

Forwards:

Masoud Juma, Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, Ryan Ogam, David Sakwa, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch