Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has delivered a warning to Kenya’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) rivals.

Kenya are in Group A alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Angola, and Morocco, and McCarthy is confident his charges are ready for the continental showdown.

“In three weeks, we’ll have a team that no one wants to face. We’re preparing the best way possible because I believe we’ve selected a strong, competitive squad. Everyone is eager for this challenge,” McCarthy told the press.

“We know our fans will be behind us, supporting and motivating us all the way. Our focus now is on training hard and building strong team chemistry. The league just ended recently, so our match fitness is intact—now it’s about adapting to the coach’s system,” he added.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya made a candid plea to Kenyans ahead of the showpiece that will be co-hosted alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

“I urge all Kenyans to come together, not just in support of a football team, but in celebration of our unity, national pride, and unwavering patriotism. Let us show the world that supporting Harambee Stars goes beyond cheering from the stands; it is a declaration of love for our country, as one people, one flag, and one nation,” the CS said.

McCarthy’s squad

Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC)

Defenders: Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Manzur Suleiman (KCB), Pamba Swaleh (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Michael Kibwage (Tusker), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Kevin Okumu (KCB)

Midfielders: Brian Musa (Kenya Police), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Keith Imbali (Shabana), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (KCB), Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia)

Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari), Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), Ryan Ogam (Tusker), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari)