Harambee Stars are starting their CECAFA Four-Nation Tournament campaign with a crucial test against hosts Tanzania this Today, July 21, at the Karatu Stadium in Arusha. The highly anticipated showdown kicks off at 3:00 PM EAT and promises to set the tone for Kenya’s build-up to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Harambee Stars stepping into this tournament with the weight of expectation and a need to sharpen their squad before CHAN 2024 kicks off on August 2. With Kenya set to co-host the continental showpiece alongside Uganda and Tanzania, this CECAFA tournament presents a golden opportunity to fine-tune tactics and assess player readiness against top regional opposition.
Originally, Harambee Stars were set to open against Uganda. However, logistical issues involving Senegal forced tournament organizers to reshuffle the fixtures—pitting Kenya against Tanzania in the opening match instead. This unexpected twist only adds more fire to the clash, especially with home support heavily backing the Tanzanian side.
Harambee Stars turning up with a provisional squad of 25 players, all vying to make it into the final CHAN 2024 roster. The squad blends experience and fresh talent, giving head coach Benni McCarthy a versatile pool to select from. Leading the charge is veteran defender Aboud Omar, who has been named captain for this crucial preparatory phase.
In goal, McCarthy will have to choose between seasoned shot-stopper Faruk Shikalo, Byrne Omondi, and rising talent Sebastian Wekesa. The battle for the number one jersey is wide open, with all three eager to impress before the CHAN curtain-raiser against DR Congo at Kasarani.
Tanzania’s opening match against Senegal moved forward following logistical time constraints by Senegal delegation.
Kenya will open against Tanzania tomorrow while Senegal take on Kenya on Thursday, 24th July and later same day Uganda will square it out with Tanzania. #CECAFA pic.twitter.com/8KWdozxdpn— Cecafaonline (@Cecafaonline) July 20, 2025
Harambee Stars assembling a solid defensive unit, headlined by Aboud Omar’s leadership. He will be joined by nine other defenders, including Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, and Sylvester Owino. With spots in the final 23-man squad at stake, competition among the defenders is expected to be fierce throughout the tournament.
The midfield sees a mix of creativity and grit. Gor Mahia playmaker Austin Odhiambo stands out as a key figure, alongside Police FC’s Marvin Nabwire—a late but welcome addition. Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, and Ben Stanley complete the midfield line-up, all eager to stamp their authority in the CECAFA Four-Nation Tournament.
Harambee Stars banking on experienced forward Masud Juma to lead the attack. He will be supported by a dynamic group that includes Boniface Muchiri, Felix Uluoch, and Austin Odongo. The forward line also features young guns like Mohammed Bajaber, David Sakwa, and Ryan Ogam—all hungry to make a mark on the big stage.
Coach Benni McCarthy has made it clear that this tournament is more than just a friendly competition. Speaking ahead of the opener, he emphasized the importance of using the matches to gauge the team’s readiness for CHAN 2024.
“I think it is nice to have two competitive games against strong opposition. It will give us a chance to see where we are in terms of game readiness for CHAN,” McCarthy said. “It gives us the opportunity to fix areas we need to improve before the real challenge begins.”
After taking on Tanzania, Kenya will battle Senegal on July 24, before wrapping up the group stage against fierce rivals Uganda on July 27. Following the tournament, Harambee Stars will head back home for a five-day intensive training camp—McCarthy’s final touch before CHAN kicks off.
This tournament could well define Kenya’s approach to CHAN 2024. With hosting duties also on their shoulders, Harambee Stars are under pressure to deliver a strong performance both in the CECAFA Four-Nation Tournament and on the continental stage.
The squad in Tanzania is determined, focused, and aware of what is at stake—not just their spots in the final CHAN squad, but also the hopes of an entire nation eager for football success.
As they step onto the pitch in Arusha, all eyes will be on Harambee Stars. Will they rise to the occasion or crumble under pressure? One thing is certain—the CECAFA Four-Nation Tournament is not just a warm-up; it’s a battleground where dreams will be made or broken.
