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Harambee Stars have pulled out of the Four Nations Tournament, which was set to kick off today, Monday, July 21, in Karatu, Tanzania.
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Head coach Benni McCarthy cited poor logistical arrangements, including substandard accommodation and an unsuitable training ground, as the primary reasons for the withdrawal.
Harambee Stars’ preparations for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) suffered a major setback after the team officially withdrew from the Four-Nation Tournament in Tanzania. The decision came just hours before their scheduled opening game against the hosts, sending shockwaves through the regional football scene.
The Kenyan national team had arrived in Tanzania on Saturday, with the tournament designed as part of their final build-up ahead of CHAN 2024, which kicks off on August 2. However, their stay was marred by immediate challenges that raised serious concerns within the camp.
According to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the conditions provided by the tournament organizers failed to meet acceptable standards. The accommodation arrangements and training facilities in Karatu, Arusha — where the matches were to be held at the Black Rhino Academy Grounds — were deemed substandard and unfit for a national team’s preparation.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, already focused on fine-tuning his squad for CHAN, did not mince words after assessing the situation. The South African tactician, known for his high standards, made it clear to both the federation and organizers that his team would not proceed under such conditions. When no improvements were forthcoming, FKF honored the coach’s advice and officially pulled the team out.
“The Football Kenya Federation wishes to inform the public that the Harambee Stars have withdrawn from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Tanzania,” read part of the FKF’s statement issued on Monday.
While the statement refrained from revealing detailed specifics, FKF clarified that the move was based on a thorough technical assessment by McCarthy and his staff. The verdict was unanimous — the prevailing conditions posed a risk to both player welfare and the quality of their tournament preparations.
“This decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team’s technical bench, led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy, after a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions, which were deemed unsuitable for the team’s participation and overall preparation,” the federation confirmed.
The withdrawal means Kenya missed out on crucial match practice against hosts Tanzania, regional rivals Uganda, and West African giants Senegal — the other teams invited for the Four-Nation event. The tournament was widely viewed as a key opportunity for McCarthy to assess his squad’s readiness before the continental showdown.
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) July 21, 2025
Kenya had lined up a challenging Group A campaign at CHAN, drawn against DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. The Stars were set to use the Tanzania tournament to sharpen their combinations, test new tactical setups, and build chemistry among players drawn exclusively from the domestic league — as per CHAN regulations.
Instead, the team is now expected to return to Nairobi on Tuesday, with the coaching staff shifting focus to intense residential training ahead of CHAN’s kickoff. It remains unclear whether the federation will organize a replacement friendly to compensate for the missed competitive action in Tanzania.
“The team will return to Kenya and resume preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, with full focus now shifting to ensuring optimal readiness for the assignment ahead,” FKF emphasized.
The federation further reiterated its commitment to creating a conducive environment for the national team, promising to prioritize the welfare and competitive readiness of Harambee Stars.
“FKF remains committed to providing the national team with the best possible environment to compete and represent the country with pride,” concluded the federation’s statement.
Kenya’s withdrawal has sparked mixed reactions among fans and pundits. While some have applauded McCarthy for standing his ground and prioritizing the team’s welfare, others have lamented the missed opportunity for valuable match practice ahead of a historic CHAN campaign on home soil.
With the tournament just around the corner, all attention now turns to Nairobi, where Harambee Stars will resume their preparations for their CHAN opener against DR Congo on August 3 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
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