Harambee Stars gear up for crucial friendly against Chad ahead of CHAN 2025

Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, are bracing for a critical international friendly clash against Chad on June 10, 2025, in Morocco.
Harambee Stars assistant coach Anthony Kimani has been upbeat about the team’s progress. Speaking on June 9, 2025, just before the match, he noted that the mood in the camp is great and they are set up for the game.
“The mood in camp is great, and every player is giving their best. It’s a good headache for us as the technical bench, deciding who to start against Chad. Everyone is eager to represent Kenya and show what they’ve got,” Kimani said.
The match at Stade de Marrakech forms a key part of the team’s preparations for the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania in August 2025.

Coach Benni McCarthy’s charges are under pressure to turn their fortunes around after recent stumbles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The South African tactician is yet to secure a victory since taking the helm, and tomorrow’s encounter offers a valuable chance to assess the squad and identify the winning formula ahead of the continental showdown.

The friendly fixture comes at a time when the stakes are higher than ever for Harambee Stars. Originally slated for February, CHAN 2025 was postponed due to logistical challenges, creating an extended window for preparation. But the delay has only added pressure on the team to build momentum and prove they can be competitive on home soil.
As a tournament exclusively for domestic-based players, CHAN 2025 offers a golden opportunity for Kenya to showcase homegrown talent. With infrastructure projects across the host countries set for completion by the end of June, the focus now shifts to on-field performances.
The match ahead of them against Chad will be a litmus test for the team’s progress and the coaching staff’s tactical tweaks.
The friendly is more than a tune-up; it’s a statement of intent. A win would inject much-needed belief and optimism as the team heads into the final stretch of preparations for CHAN 2025. As Kenyans hold their breath, the Harambee Stars are determined to rise to the occasion and set the tone for success on the continental stage.