Kenya’s Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has named a bold 25-man squad for next month’s Africa Nations Championship (Chan), turning to recalled striker Masoud Juma and fresh local talent as the hosts prepare for their historic tournament debut on home soil.

The 29-year-old striker, whose last stint was with Iranian side Esteghlal FC, was recalled to the squad after the team lost the services of strikers Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro. Both players became ineligible to represent Kenya in the tournament—reserved for players active in their respective local leagues—after signing two-year permanent contracts with Zambian Super League champions Power Dynamos.

The duo’s exit left McCarthy with limited options in attack before he settled on Juma, who so far has 22 appearances and eight goals for Harambee Stars. Defending Juma’s inclusion, the South African legend said: “Masoud [Juma] is a player I’ve worked with before, and he offered himself after signing a contract with a National Super League (NSL) side. He is eligible to participate.”

In goal, McCarthy kept faith with Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Byrne Omondi, who was recently recalled to the squad after parting ways with Bandari FC. The defensive line includes seasoned players such as Aboud Omar, Siraj Mohammed, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, and Daniel Sakari, complemented by exciting young talent from the recent Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) U-20 campaign, Manzur Suleiman. Making their senior team debuts are Swaleh Pamba, Kevin Okumu, and Lewis Bandi.

In midfield, the former Manchester United assistant coach assembled a well-rounded core featuring Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire.

Leading the attack will be Juma, supported by Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, and Ryan Ogam. Earning their maiden senior call-ups are David Sakwa, Austin Odongo, and Felix Oluoch.

McCarthy further confirmed that the team will be captained by Aboud Omar, who locally plays for Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Kenya Police FC, assisted by Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija.

Kenya has been drawn in Group A alongside continental heavyweights DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia. Harambee Stars will kick off their campaign on August 3, 2025, against DR Congo, followed by clashes against Angola and Morocco, before wrapping up the group stage with a match against Zambia. All group matches will be played at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Kenya will be making their debut in Chan courtesy of their role as one of three co-hosts of the tournament, alongside East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania. Despite being newcomers, optimism is growing in the Harambee Stars camp, with McCarthy confident in the team’s readiness.

Founded in 2009 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Chan is a biennial tournament that exclusively features players who are active in their domestic leagues. Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), no foreign-based players are eligible, making Chan a true celebration of homegrown talent and local football ecosystems.