As Kenya gears up to host its first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN), head coach Benni McCarthy has named a battle-hardened 25-man squad blending league champions, local legends, and new blood.
With Group 'A' clashes against DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia, the Harambee Stars are banking on home advantage and fiery local form to make history.
Here’s a full player-by-player breakdown of the squad representing Kenya on home soil.
GOALKEEPERS
Faruk Shikhalo – Bandari FC
A veteran of the local league and former KCB goalkeeper, Shikhalo brings calmness, composure, and a commanding presence between the sticks.
His experience in CAF competitions and calm under pressure make him a likely starter. Shikalo has been a consistent performer and was vital in keeping 12 clean sheets for his club last season.
Byrne Omondi – Gor Mahia FC
Recently signed from Bandari, Omondi was a revelation last season. Known for his cat-like reflexes and ball distribution, his move to Gor Mahia signalled his rising stock.
His performances earned him a spot ahead of several more experienced contenders at the Dockers last season.
Sebastian Wekesa – Kariobangi Sharks
The youngest of the trio, Wekesa, has been a standout performer in a struggling Kariobangi Sharks side.
At just 22, his bravery and shot-stopping instincts caught the eye, making him a project for the future and a dependable backup.
DEFENDERS
Siraj Mohammed – Gor Mahia FC
A gritty and fearless right-back, Siraj joined Gor Mahia from Bandari, where he instantly became a fan favourite.
His marauding runs and tight marking make him one of the most consistent defenders in the country. He’s also deadly on the overlap and contributed four assists in the league.
Manzur Suleiman – KCB FC
Towering and tactically astute, Suleiman was the rock in KCB’s backline last season. His aerial presence and comfort on the ball have made him a reliable choice for McCarthy, especially against physically imposing sides.
Abud Omar – Kenya Police FC
The Harambee Stars captain is one of the most experienced players in the squad. He helped Police FC clinch their first Kenyan Premier League title last season. His versatility as a left-back and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses provide width and leadership.
Alphonce Omija – Gor Mahia FC
Tall, composed, and technical, Omija was Gor Mahia’s defensive anchor. His reading of the game and clean tackling helped Gor finish second in the league. A natural leader at the back, he’s likely to partner with Sylvester Owino in central defence.
Sylvester Owino – Gor Mahia FC
A rock-solid centre-back, Owino’s physicality and sharp anticipation make him one of the best defenders in the local league. His partnership with Omija is one of the best in the country right now.
Mike Kibwage – Tusker FC
The KPL's most consistent defender over the past few seasons. Kibwage brings tactical intelligence and maturity. His ability to play out from the back adds a dimension to Kenya’s buildup.
Daniel Sakari – Kenya Police FC
Quick, aggressive, and tactically sharp, Sakari was a regular in Police FC’s championship run. His versatility in both right-back and left-back positions gives McCarthy multiple options, especially against fluid opponents like Morocco.
Lewis Bandi – AFC Leopards
One of the most improved players of the season, Bandi’s composure and overlapping ability earned him plaudits. He blends speed with tactical awareness and was a key outlet in the Leopards' wing-play system.
Kevin Okumu – KCB FC
Okumu is a classic utility defender—comfortable at centre-back or full-back. He played nearly every minute of the season for KCB and has developed into a tough-tackling, no-nonsense defender with an eye for long passes.
MIDFIELDERS
Chrispine Erambo – Tusker FC
A late inclusion, Erambo is an industrious midfielder with an eye for goal. Tusker’s midfield engine, he contributed six goals and five assists and is known for his tireless pressing and leadership in transitions.
Brian Michira – Shabana FC
A fan favourite in Kisii, Michira is known for his elegance on the ball. He was Shabana’s creative heartbeat, threading passes and driving forward. Despite Shabana's inconsistent campaign, he shone as a bright spot.
Alpha Onyango – Gor Mahia FC
One of the most technically gifted midfielders in the country, Onyango is Gor Mahia’s metronome. His ability to dictate tempo, switch play, and deliver inch-perfect passes makes him a lock-in starter for McCarthy.
Austin Odhiambo – Gor Mahia FC
A magician with the ball, Odhiambo dazzles with dribbles and vision. He was Gor’s top assist provider with 11 and chipped in with crucial goals. He’s expected to be the creative spark in midfield.
Ben Stanley – Gor Mahia FC
Gor’s breakout youngster, Ben Stanley, mixes flair and tenacity. He plays box-to-box and covers ground relentlessly. His rise this season earned him both league and fan admiration.
Marvin Nabwire – Kenya Police FC
One of the unsung heroes of the Police’s league-winning side, Nabwire is a midfield destroyer who wins tackles, intercepts passes, and starts counters. His tactical discipline offers balance to the midfield.
FORWARDS
Edward Omondi – Sofapaka FC
Drafted in after Brian Musa’s injury, Omondi is a traditional centre-forward with aerial prowess. He scored nine goals for Sofapaka and is known for his physicality and ability to hold up play.
Boniface Muchiri – Ulinzi Stars
Muchiri’s pace and crossing ability make him lethal on the wings. A natural wide forward, he has the experience and finishing touch, scoring eight goals and assisting six times during the season.
David Sakwa – Kakamega Homeboyz
Quick and unpredictable, Sakwa was Homeboyz’s livewire, capable of turning defenders inside out. He scored 10 goals and is seen as a wildcard option off the bench.
Ryan Ogam – Tusker FC
A technically gifted left-footed winger, Ogam is a ball carrier with an eye for goal. He combines speed, trickery, and clinical finishing, and was one of Tusker’s standout players in the final third.
Masoud Juma – Migori Youth FC
A surprise selection, Masoud has experience in the lower leagues but impressed in CHAN pre-tournament friendlies. Known for his finishing and intelligent runs, he offers a poacher’s instinct.
Austin Odongo – Shabana FC
Shabana’s talisman and leading scorer, Odongo, is aggressive, sharp, and fearless. His goal tally stood at 12, and he’s seen as a future star and vital attacking option.
Felix Oluoch – Gor Mahia FC
An intelligent forward with excellent movement, Oluoch's incredible performance for Posta Rangers in the preceding season earned him admiration from Gor Mahia, who have offered him a deal.
He’s lethal in tight spaces and clinical in front of goal, making him Kenya’s biggest goal threat at CHAN.
LOOKING AHEAD
Kenya’s debut at CHAN comes with weighty expectations—but also unmatched potential. With a squad drawn heavily from title-winning Kenya Police FC and runners-up Gor Mahia, there’s experience, chemistry, and hunger in equal measure.
As McCarthy leads them out at Kasarani against DR Congo on August 3, the country will rise, sing, and hope. This is not just a team. It is a promise.
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