Kenya CHAN 2025 Squad. Top Performers In, Big Stars Out
Kenya has named its provisional squad for the 2025 CHAN tournament. This is the first time Harambee Stars will feature in the competition.
Kenya’s First-Ever CHAN Squad
Head coach Benni McCarthy has picked 30 locally based players from the FKF Premier League. The squad will prepare for CHAN 2025 starting July 10.
The tournament runs from August 2 to August 30. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host it.
Kenya opens their campaign against DR Congo on August 3 at Kasarani. Other group opponents are Morocco, Angola, and Zambia.
Strikers Lead the Way
Top scorers Moses Shuma, Emmanuel Osoro, and Ryan Ogam headline the attack. They scored 17, 16, and 15 league goals.
Sofapaka’s Edward Omondi also gets a call-up after a standout season. Beja Nyamawi and Boniface Muchiri are also in.
New Names in Midfield
Kenya Police FC’s Mohammed Bajaber adds creativity in midfield. Keith Imbali and Ulinzi’s Yakeen Muteheli also cut.
Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars) and Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia) bring youth and energy to the midfield lineup.
Experience in Defense and Goal
Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari), Brian Opondo (Tusker), and Sebastian Wekesa (Sharks) are the selected goalkeepers.
Michael Kibwage, Sylvester Owino, and Alphonce Omija lead a defense with strong FKF Premier League experience.
Full Kenya CHAN 2025 Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari), Sebastian Wekesa (Sharks), Brian Opondo (Tusker)
Defenders
Siraj Mohammed, Pamba Swaleh (Bandari), Manzur Suleiman, Kevin Okumu (KCB),
Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police), Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia),
Michael Kibwage (Tusker), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards)
Midfielders
Brian Musa (Police), Keith Imbali (Shabana), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia),
Mathias Isogoli (KCB), Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi), Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia)
Forwards
Mohammed Bajaber (Police), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi), David Sakwa (Bandari), Emmanuel Osoro (Talanta),
Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), Ryan Ogam (Tusker), Moses Shuma (Homeboyz), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari)
Big Names Missing from the Squad
The squad has sparked debate due to some high-profile exclusions.
Brian Michira (Shabana FC)
Scored 17 goals and eight assists. Left out despite top form. Fans voiced outrage online.
Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC)
Key player in the Police’s title-winning season. Played a significant role in midfield.
Brian Okoth (Kenya Police FC)
Top center back and MVP contender. Helped Police concede the fewest league goals.
Job Ochieng (Kenya Police FC)
Won the Golden Glove with 13 clean sheets. Vital in the Police’s title push.
Levis Opiyo (AFC Leopards)
One of the standout performers at Ingwe. Known for consistency and big saves.
Chris Erambo (Tusker FC)
Had strong seasons under previous coaches. Regular call-up before McCarthy arrived.
Jack Ong’anya (Sofapaka)
A 19-year-old scored a hat trick in a 7–1 win. Missed out on U20 and senior call-ups.
Biron ‘N’Golo’ Otieno (Kariobangi Sharks)
Hard-tackling midfielder. Strong in possession. Set to join Shabana next season.
What’s Next for Harambee Stars?
Kenya now begins training in Nairobi. The team has one month to prepare for its historic debut at the CHAN. Fans will be watching to see if McCarthy’s picks deliver results. With home support, expectations are high.
