Masoud Juma surprise pick in Kenya’s final CHAN squad

Masoud Juma will lead Kenya's attack

With only twelve days remaining before the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament gets underway in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has officially named his 25-man squad with striker Masoud Juma making the final list.

The 29-year-old striker, whose last stint was with Iranian side Esteghlal FC, was recalled to the squad after the team lost the services of strikers Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro. Both players became ineligible to represent Kenya in the tournament reserved for players who play in their respective local leagues after signing two-year permanent contracts with Zambian Super League champions Power Dynamos.

The duo’s exit left McCarthy with very few options in the striking area before settling for Juma, who has so far managed 22 appearances for Harambee Stars and scored eight goals.

While defending the selection of Juma, the South African legend said: “Masoud (Juma) is a player I’ve worked with before, and he offered himself after signing a0contract with a National Super League (NSL) side. He is eligible to participate.”

In goal, McCarthy kept faith with Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Byrne Omondi, who was recently recalled to the side after parting ways with Bandari FC, while the defensive line has seasoned players such as Aboud Omar, Siraj Mohammed, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, and Daniel Sakari.

They are complemented by an exciting young talent from the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 campaign, Manzur Suleiman. Making their senior team debuts are Swaleh Pamba, Kevin Okumu, and Lewis Bandi.

Austin Odhiambo will anchor the midfield

In midfield, the former Manchester United assistant coach assembled a well-rounded core featuring Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire.

Leading the attack will be Juma, supported by Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, and Ryan Ogam. Earning their maiden call-ups to the senior national team are David Sakwa, Austin Odongo, and Felix Oluoch.

Aboud Omar will captain Kenya

McCarthy further confirmed that the team will be captained by Aboud Omar, who locally turns out for Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Kenya Police FC, and he will be assisted by Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija.

Kenya have been drawn in Group A alongside continental heavyweights DR Congo, Angola, Morocco and Zambia. Harambee Stars will kick off their campaign on August 3, 2025 against DR Congo, followed by clashes against Angola and Morocco, before wrapping up the group stage with a match against Zambia. Stars will play all their group matches at Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.

Kenya will be making their debut in the CHAN, courtesy of their role as one of three co-hosts of the tournament, alongside East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania. Despite being newcomers, there is growing optimism in the Harambee Stars camp, with McCarthy confident in the team’s readiness.

Founded in 2009 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CHAN is a biennial tournament that exclusively features players who are active in their country’s domestic leagues.

Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), no foreign-based players are eligible, making CHAN a true celebration of homegrown talent and local football ecosystems.

Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa

Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Aboud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu.

Midfielders: Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire.

Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch.

Kenya vs DR Congo | Sunday, August 3 | 15:00 local time

Angola vs Kenya | Thursday, August 7 | 19:00

Kenya vs Morocco | Sunday, August 10 | 15:00

Zambia vs Kenya | Sunday, August 17 | 19:00

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