The Harambee Stars departed on Saturday for Arusha in preparation for the tournament, where they will finalize their preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from August 2nd to 30th.

Kenya enters the tournament after losing two crucial strikers – Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro – both of whom became ineligible to participate after signing permanent two-year contracts with the Zambian Super League team Power Dynamos.

The unexpected exit of Shumah, who was the leading scorer in the recently concluded Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League with 17 goals for Kakamega Homeboyz, followed by Osoro, who netted 16 goals and provided seven assists for FC Talanta, left the South African legend with no choice but to introduce a new player to his attacking line.

McCarthy has now opted for Juma, who is currently unattached after leaving the Iranian club Esteghlal Sport Club. The seasoned Juma, who has already earned 22 caps for Harambee Stars and scored eight goals, will compete for a starting position alongside Boniface Muchiri, Felix Uluoch, Mohammed Bajaber, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, and Austin Odongo.

Farouk Shikalo, along with Byrne Omondi and Sepstianos Wekesa, have been retained in the goalkeeping department, while the defense includes Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, and Kevin Okumu.

The midfield will feature a blend of youth and experience with Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire expected to bring creativity and control to the center of the field.

The CECAFA Four-Nations Tournament, which will see participation from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and guest team Senegal, will take place from July 21st to 27th in Karatu, located in the Arusha region of Tanzania. Congo Brazzaville was initially scheduled to participate in the tournament but withdrew due to logistical issues and were replaced by Senegal.

According to the Executive Director of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), John Gecheo, the tournament will serve as a preparatory event for the CHAN tournament.

“The main goal of this competition is to provide our Zonal teams with a valuable platform to prepare thoroughly ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) set for August 2025,” Gecheo stated in a recent interview.

McCarthy has welcomed the tournament, noting that it has come at an opportune moment to assess the readiness of his players for the CHAN. “This is a great tournament to evaluate our preparedness for CHAN. We are going to face strong opponents, which will clearly reveal what is working and what needs adjustment,” McCarthy remarked.

The mini-tournament will have each team play three matches in a round-robin format, with the team accumulating the most points declared the winner. Kenya will begin their campaign against regional rivals Uganda Cranes on Monday, July 21st at 3 PM, followed by a match against hosts Tanzania on Thursday, July 24th at 4 PM.

The Stars will conclude their group matches with a game against Senegal on Sunday, July 27th at 1 PM. All matches will be held at Karatu Stadium in Arusha. Uganda and Sudan will kick off the proceedings in the early match on Thursday, July 24th, before the Harambee Stars face a challenging encounter against Tanzania later that same day.

Harambee Stars Squad

Goalkeepers: Farouk Shikalo, Byrne Omondi, Sepstianos Wekesa.

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

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

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