Sports

Harambee Stars probable starting XI: McCarthy set to bench Kenya’s midfield maestro against Zambia

Sunday 17th August, 2025 11:33 AM| By Luke Oluoch

Harambee Stars will take to the pitch for their fourth game of the African Nations Championship this Sunday, August 17, 2025, with Zambia next on their roster.

The clash slated for 3:00 pm comes with Kenya having already booked their slot in the quarterfinals and awaiting the ultimate pairing of the groups. Kenya is set to be joined by either Morocco or DR Congo, who will face off in the other winner-takes-all tie at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The clash will run concurrently to avoid any incidents of match-fixing.

Benni McCarthy is expected to ring changes for the clash, with several players who have so far been unused in the tournament tipped for rare starting berths.

Many of the changes will likely feature in the midfield department, where Chrispine Erambo and Marvin Nabwire remain sidelined through suspension.

Mansur Suleiman, who has since featured in all of Kenya’s games so far, is among those expected to be offered a much-needed rest for the clash.

Harambee Stars midfielder Manzur Suleiman (L) battles for the ball against Morocco players during a CHAN group fixture Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, August 10, 2025. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/100063913291982/posts/pfbid02KFkLbEg2fAK6313Sgp2eqYn2tUgtrENzBomvP5yLZ1ajEtpzr3EWnyHvBTpG5unPl/?app=fbl

The left-footed midfielder has proven to be a dependable cog of McCarthy’s team but is likely to miss out on the game along with other mainstays, Abud Omar and Sylvester Owino, who have also played the entire campaign for Kenya.

The coach has remained adamant that the target for the clash remains unchanged, with victory ranking high as his charges seek to cap off the group phases on a winning note.

Among those primed for starts is striker Masud Juma, who has not played a match since the opening win against DR Congo.

Austin Odhiambo, who started on the substitute bench in the previous clash against Morocco, is also set to return to the fold, as well as Alphonce Omija, who is set to resume his position at the heart of the defence.

The Zambia clash will provide the SA tactician with his final opportunity to further test players who have remained unused in the clash ahead of the competition heading into the crucial knockout stages.

Probable line-up

Starting XI: Faruk Shikalo, Kevin Okumu, Siraj Mohammed, Mike Kibwage, Alphonce Omija, Lewis Bandi, Ben Stanley Omondi, Masud Juma, Ryan Ogam, Austin Odhiambo, Austine Odongo