Harambee Stars Head coach Benni McCarthy conducts a training session at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on July 16, 2025.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy called on his charges to win their opening Group “A” game against Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the team stepped up training for the delayed 2024 Africa Nations Championship (Chan).
McCarthy said he will name his final squad on July 23 that will write history as the first Harambee Stars squad to play in the tournament’s 16-year-old history.
Kenya will play two-time Chan champions DR Congo on August 3 at Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi.
Other teams in the group are 2018 and 2020 champions Morocco, Angola and Zambia. Kenya will play all their preliminary round matches at the 55,000 seater Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani (MISC).
McCarthy said his main aim was to go as far as possible in the tournament and that they must start with a victory in the first game.
“We are the host team and will have many supporters. This tournament is a stepping stone for many players and we have to set the ball rolling by winning our first match,” said McCarthy at a press conference at Kasarani.
“The players are up for the challenges and are getting set for the first match so that they can give the country something to cheer about and be proud of.
“We have to seize the moment and win our first match because we have to show hunger early enough to even reach the final,” added the 47-years-old former Manchester United coach.
DR Congo’s Leopards are ranked 61 and are considered one of the favourites to win the 2024 title.
Even as McCarthy looks at home support to spur Harambee Stars on he will have to deal with the unavailability of two crucial strikers.
Football Kenya Federation Premier League top scorer Moses Shumah and the second most prolific scorer in the league Emmanuel Osoro are now ineligible to play in the tournament after joining Power Dynamos of Zambia.
Chan is open to only players featuring in their respective local leagues.
“There is nothing new as a coach I can do if a player decides to move to another team because they are also looking at their welfare and future. I’m proud of the squad I have. I have to work with the players I have and move on with them,” said McCarthy.
“Representing a country is a huge honour and nothing else should come before that but that was their decision and I wish them the best where they are,” he said.
Shumah top scored in the FKF-PL with 17 goals while Osoro bagged 16 goals. In their absence, McCarthy will bank on Tusker forward Ryan Ogam and Bandari striker Beja Nyamawi.
“I came when Ogam was injured but he is a very sharp and intelligent player. He has quality, very explosive, left footed and he is fit. He will lead our striking line. He can be the next Michael Olunga,” said McCarthy.
Ogam netted 15 goals in his injury-interrupted season while Nyamawi bagged 10 goals.
Stars captain Aboud Omar, Alphonce Omoja and Daniel Sakari are all bullish about progressing far in the tournament.
“We are the host and the underdog tag is fine but the work we are putting in with the guidance of the coach will see us have a good competition. We don’t fear any opponent,” said Kenya Police’s Omar.
Midfielder Marvin Nabwire is the new call up in the team while promising Mohamed Bajaber is racing against time to recover from injury.
