Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has announced the final squad for Kenya’s upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) CECAFA region qualifiers.The Harambee Stars are preparing for a crucial two-legged showdown against South Sudan, set to kick off later this month.##NAJAVA_MECA_8435645##Although Kenya has already secured a spot in the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from 1 to 28 February 2025, the national team is keen on making a strong impact during the qualifiers.The squad, featuring locally based players, sees the return of KCB goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo and Kenya Police defender Musa Mohammed to the national team after a long absence.New faces in the team include Ibrahim Wanzala and Brian Eshihanda of Kakamega Homeboyz, Bernard Ondiek of Posta Rangers, Issa Lumumba of Ulinzi Stars, Andreas Odhiambo of Kariobangi Sharks, Matthias Isogol of Mara Sugar, and Shabana’s Mathew Tegisi.The first leg of the qualifier will take place on 27 October 2024 at Juba International Stadium, with a 3 PM kickoff, while the return leg is set for 3 November 2024 at 4 PM at Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium. Should Kenya come out on top, they will advance to the final stage of qualification, where they’ll face the winner of the Djibouti vs Rwanda matchup in December.Kenya U17 team tactical switch which earned them a World Cup game win over MexicoCECAFA boosted with extra spotThis year’s CHAN tournament will see CAF break new ground by allowing three nations—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—to co-host the competition for the first time. With these three nations securing automatic qualification, the CECAFA region is set for increased representation, as CAF has granted the region an additional qualification slot.Kenya’s squad will travel to Juba on Friday, 25 October 2024, ahead of the crucial first-leg tie against South Sudan.Victor Wanyama pens heartfelt message after welcoming second babyFinal SquadGoalkeepers: Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Farouk Shikalo (KCB), Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz)Defenders: Musa Mohammed (Kenya Police FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Bernard Ondiek (Posta Rangers), Brian Eshihanda (Kakamega Homeboyz), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC)Midfielders: Vincent Owino (Nairobi City Stars), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police FC), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Issa Lumumba (Ulinzi Stars), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC), Matthias Isogol (Mara Sugar), Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks)Forwards: Victor Omune (AFC Leopards), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Mathew Tegisi (Shabana), Patrick Otieno (KCB)Harambee Stars drop in FIFA rankings after losses to Cameroon
