Kenya’s men’s national team, Harambee Stars, officially kicked off their preparations towards the 2024 edition of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament this Friday, July 11, 2025.

 Benni McCarthy led the preparations with a session on the pitch at the Kasarani Annex, with the locally assembled charges set to do duty for the biennial tournament that will kick off on Saturday, August 2, 2025, across three countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Reported to camp

The session was conducted a day after the team’s playing contingent checked in at Kasarani National Stadium for the start of a residential camp on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

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

Omar, who made his national team debut in June 2023, has been confirmed as the skipper for the regional tournament by his club, Kenya Police FC.

“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. 

The former Tusker defender was named in McCarthy’s 30-man provisional squad for the clash 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.

Kenya will face DR Congo ON Sunday, August 3, 2025, before facing Angola four days later.