Kenya is gearing up for its maiden appearance at the prestigious TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 as one of the co-hosts. As the team is determined to use this opportunity to showcase their growth in football and leave a mark on the continental scene, focus shifts to Benni McCarthy’s men.

The Kenyan side is known by the nickname Harambee Stars. The team will be making its first appearance at CHAN. Ranked 108 by FIFA in December 2024, Harambee Stars has yet to win a title in the competition. However, local football fans have high hopes in the team full of fresh talent exclusively drawn from the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

Road to qualification

Kenya earned an automatic slot in the 2024 edition of CHAN by being one of the tournament’s three host nations alongside Tanzania and Uganda. This historic opportunity opens the door for the team to prove its capabilities on African football’s grand stage.

The team will be banking on Tusker FC forward Ryan Ogam at the frontline. Ogam is having fun in the Kenyan Premier League, scoring 13 goals in just eight games, positioning himself as a central figure in Kenya’s attacking plans. Another standout is Austine Odhiambo, a creative midfielder who netted five league goals for Gor Mahia last season.

Harambee Stars is under the tutelage of Benni McCarthy, an experienced coach with a track record in South Africa’s top-tier football and a coaching stint with English Premier League side Manchester United. His tactical knowledge and international exposure are set to be major assets for Kenya during the tournament.

This will be Kenya’s first venture into the CHAN competition since its launch in 2009. The Harambee Stars aim to make an impact and potentially create a new chapter in the country’s football history. Despite being newcomers to the tournament, Kenya has assembled a competitive squad full of promise and potential.

With the advantage of playing at home and the support of loyal fans, the team will be aiming to deliver inspired performances and possibly challenge for the title. Kenya will start their Group assignments against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at the Kasarani Stadium starting 3 pm local time.