Young Shabana striker in as McCarthy names final Harambee Stars squad for CHAN
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 23.07.25. | 22:15
His inclusion comes as a consolation given that he was overlooked for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Egypt
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his final 25-man squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
Among the notable additions is Shabana FC rising star Austin Odongo, whose recent performances in the FKF Premier League have earned him a late national team call-up.
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Also making the final list are Posta Rangers’ in-form forward Felix Oluoch Mboya and the experienced Masud Juma—both of whom were late additions to the camp.
The South African tactician, who previously served as Manchester United's attacking coach, has blended youth with experience in a squad that reflects Kenya’s growing domestic talent.
The goalkeeping department features new Gor Mahia signing Bryne Omondi, Kariobangi Sharks’ Sebastian Wekesa, and seasoned Bandari shot-stopper Faruk Shikalo.
In defence, McCarthy has cast his net wide, selecting players from across the FKF Premier League.
Gor Mahia duo of Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija, have all made the cut, as has the Kenya Police FC duo of Daniel Sakari and Abud Omar
Immediate former Bandari left-back Siraj Mohamed and Swaleh Pamba have also been drafted in.
Tusker’s Michael Kibwage, KCB duo of Manzur Suleiman and Kevin Okumu, and AFC Leopards’ Lewis Bandi round out a solid defensive lineup.
The midfield is headlined by Gor Mahia's trio of; Ben Stanley, Austin Odhiambo, and Alpha Onyango.
They are complemented by Kenya Police industrious pair of Brian Musa and Marvin Nabwire.
Kenya’s attacking line showcases depth and firepower.
Alongside Odongo, Oluoch, and Juma are Tusker’s Ryan Ogam, Police star Mohamed Bajaber, Ulinzi Stars’ Boniface Muchiri, and Bandari’s David Sakwa—offering McCarthy multiple tactical options upfront.
Harambee Stars will kick off their CHAN campaign on 3 August against two-time champions DRC Congo at the Kasarani Stadium, which will host all of Kenya’s matches throughout the tournament, including the final and closing ceremony.
Final squad
Goalkeeping
Faruk Shikalo
Sebastian Wekesa
Bryan Omondi
Defenders
Siraj Mohamed
Swaleh Pamba
Michael kibwage
Sylvester Owino
Alphonce Omija
Aboud Omar
Mansur Suleiman
Kevin Okumu
Lewis Bandi
Midfielders
Alpha Onyango
Austin Odhiambo
Ben Stanley
Brian Musa
Marvin Nabwire
Fowards
Austin Odongo
Felix Oluoch
Mohammed Bajaber
Ryan Ogam
David Sakwa
Boniface Muchiri
Masud Juma
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