McCarthy rings changes as Kenya fine-tunes CHAN 2024 squad ahead of DR Congo opener
Kenya head coach Bennie McCarthy has made late adjustments to his Harambee Stars squad just days before the country kicks off its maiden campaign at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
With concerns over player fitness and a desire to bolster depth in key areas, McCarthy has called up defensive midfielder Chris Erambo of Tusker FC, forward Brian Michira from Shabana FC, and reinstated Edward Omondi of Sofapaka FC, who was part of the earlier provisional squad.
The changes come as attacking midfielder and fan favourite Mohamed Bejaber remains a major doubt for the tournament due to a thigh injury.
Fellow players Brian Musa and Marvin Nabwire are also nursing knocks, casting doubt over their availability for the opening fixture.
Kenya, making its first-ever appearance in the CHAN tournament, will face a stern test in their Group A opener against DR Congo this Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
DR Congo, two-time CHAN champions, will pose a formidable challenge for the hosts.
Despite the injury concerns, spirits remain high in the Harambee Stars camp, buoyed by strong fan interest. Tickets for the opening fixture are already selling out fast, reflecting Kenya's renewed passion for international football.
Remarkably, this will be only Kenya’s second international match in four years, following a lengthy suspension from international football.
Their return in March, when they hosted Gabon in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd at Nyayo, underlining the appetite for top-tier football in the country.
As co-hosts of CHAN 2024, alongside East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, Kenya qualified automatically for the tournament.
The team will be eager to make a strong impression on home soil, with coach McCarthy tasked with not only shaping a competitive squad but also reigniting the pride of a nation in transition.
With group fixtures against Angola, Morocco, and DR Congo, the Harambee Stars face a steep mountain—but one they’re determined to climb with courage, discipline, and the roar of the home crowd behind them.