McCarthy Defends Kenya’s CHAN Squad Amid Selection Debate and Eligibility Concerns

By Jaymo Wa Thika

Nairobi — Harambee Stars Head coach Benni McCarthy has come out firmly in defense of Kenya’s provisional squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), brushing off criticism and insisting the team selected reflects both current form and long-term potential.

The tournament, set for August 2-30, 2025, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, marking Kenya’s CHAN debut after a prolonged absence from international football due to a four-year FIFA suspension.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Kenya Institute of Sports, McCarthy addressed criticism regarding some omissions, explaining the challenges of balancing domestic league performance with tactical readiness.

“You can’t please everyone, you know, and I’m not here to please people. I’m here to bring success to this country, and the players that we’ve selected are the players that we’ve seen, the players that I’ve had in camp. And they were just unfortunate; when you go and play in the World Cup qualifiers, international players come, so you can’t be selected,” McCarthy stated bluntly.

He emphasized that the CHAN squad is built strictly from players active in domestic leagues, a requirement that limits the pool but opens opportunities for rising local stars.

“We’ve picked players who are hungry, disciplined, and technically ready to compete. CHAN is not just about big names — it’s about national pride and showcasing homegrown talent,” he added.

Provisional CHAN Squad

Goalkeepers:
Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC)

Defenders:
Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Manzur Suleiman (KCB), Pamba Swaleh (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Michael Kibwage (Tusker), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Kevin Okumu (KCB)

Midfielders:
Brian Musa (Kenya Police), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Keith Imbali (Shabana), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (KCB), Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia)

Forwards:
Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), Ryan Ogam (Tusker), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari)

Key Players to Watch

Leading the attack are prolific goal scorers Moses Shummah (17 goals), Emmanuel Osoro (16 goals), and Ryan Ogam (15 goals), whose firepower is expected to be central to Kenya’s offensive strategy. Midfield creativity will revolve around Alpha Onyango and Mohammed Bajaber, while defensive veterans like Michael Kibwage and Daniel Sakari bring much-needed experience at the back.

Fan reactions on social media (X) have raised questions about the eligibility of some players, especially amid rumors of possible foreign club signings before the CHAN window, a move that could rule them out under CAF’s local-player rule.

However, veteran FIFA instructor Bob Oyugi applauded the squad’s youthful energy and balance, but advised McCarthy to incorporate seasoned local coaches such as Francis Baraza and Nicholas Muyoti to enrich the technical bench with domestic insights. Oyugi cited Kenya’s past successes where local technical support complemented foreign expertise.

Despite eligibility concerns, McCarthy remains focused on preparing a battle-hardened squad. The team is currently training at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani Annex in Nairobi and is set to feature in the CECAFA Four Nations Cup in Arusha, Tanzania, from July 24-27, as a key warm-up before the CHAN showdown.

As expectations build for Kenya’s return to the continental stage, McCarthy’s message is clear, trust the process, back the boys and let the football do the talking.