Kenya Police FC defender Abud Omar has been named as the new skipper of Kenya for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) games slated for Saturday, August 2, 2025.

The experienced defender will lead the Benni McCarthy-led team for the tournament, featuring solely locally based stars.

Omar who made his national team bow in June 2023 has been confirmed as the skipper for the regional tournament.

“Our very own Abud Omar has been named captain of Harambee Stars for the upcoming CHAN tournament, set to kick off next month. A true leader of men. Congratulations, Abud,” Police FC revealed in a statement.

Ready to go!

Speaking after the confirmation, Abud shared the players’ readiness to get going. 

“These young players are ready; they have shown great quality with their performances in the league and will do a lot. CHAN is their stage. There will be scouts here watching, and maybe they’ll get a chance to make moves abroad as I have. That is the main target,” he stated.

Omar will, however, be eyeing a different experience after his previous stint, while skippering the team ended controversially during the Mapinduzi Cup games in January.

The defender was involved in a violent scuffle with the referee after being red-carded in the 75th minute as Kenya bowed out to Zanzibar.

Squad for CHAN

The former Greece-based defender was named in McCarthy’s initial provisional squad for the games on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

Others in the defensive department include Gor Mahia duo Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino. Daniel Sakari, Siraj Mohammed, and Lewis Bandi of AFC Leopards. 

In the midfield, Brian Musa of Kenya Police, KCB’s Mathews Isogol, AFC Leopards Kelly Madada Okonji, and Gor’s midfield trio of Alpha Onyango, Ben Stanley Omondi, and Austin Odhiambo got the nod.

In the striking department, McCarthy entrusted the goal-getting duties to the newly crowned FKF PL top scorer, Moses Shumah.

Shumah, Osoro to lead attack

The Kakamega Homeboyz talisman, who finished atop the league scoring charts with 17 goals, was handed the nod alongside his close challengers in the race for the Golden Boot.

 Shumah was joined by Talanta’s poacher Emannuel Osoro, Tusker Ryan Ogam, Beja Nyamawi, David Sakwa, Mohammed Bajaber, Ryan Ogam, and little-known Muteheli Yakeen.