Latest news with #GorMahia
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
McCarthy rings changes as Kenya refines CHAN 2024 squad
Published: Wednesday, 16 July 2025 Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has trimmed his CHAN 2024 provisional squad as the Harambee Stars intensify preparations for the tournament they will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania from August 2 to 30. With just weeks to go before the curtain-raiser against DR Congo at Nairobi's Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, the South African tactician has made five changes to his 30-man training camp roster. Notably, veteran goalkeeper Bryne Omondi—currently unattached after parting ways with Bandari FC—has been recalled, adding valuable experience between the posts. McCarthy also brought back Kenya Police FC's midfield anchor Marvin Nabwire, reinforcing the engine room with physical presence and versatility. However, five players have been released after falling short of expectations during the initial phase of camp, including Tusker FC goalkeeper Brian Opondo, AFC Leopards' Kelly Madada, Shabana FC's Keith Imbali, and Ulinzi Stars duo Yakeen Muteheli and Staphod Odhiambo. Kenya, drawn into Group A—arguably the 'Group of Death'—will face heavyweights DR Congo, Morocco, Zambia, and Angola in what promises to be a demanding campaign. Yet, optimism abounds in the Kenyan camp, especially with local stars stepping up. The country's top three domestic league scorers—Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), and Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC)—have all been retained, underlining McCarthy's desire to inject attacking firepower and reward domestic form. Record champions Gor Mahia and coastal side Bandari FC dominate the roster with five players each, while national league title holders Kenya Police FC contribute four, including vice-captain Abud Omar and utility man Brian Musa. McCarthy, appointed earlier this year, has emphasized structure, discipline, and player development since taking over the reins. With the Harambee Stars chasing a historic run on home soil, the South African legend is expected to blend youth and experience as he eyes a strong start in front of passionate home support. The team will continue training at high altitude before shifting base to CHAN facilities designated by the Local Organising Committee. Kenya kicks off their campaign against DR Congo on August 3 at Kasarani, while Nyayo Stadium will also host key Group A matches throughout the tournament. Kenya Provisional CHAN 2024 Squad Goalkeepers Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC) Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks) Bryne Omondi (Unattached) 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 FC) Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police) Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards) Kevin Okumu (KCB) Midfielders Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia) Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police) Brian Musa (Kenya Police) Mathias Isogoli (KCB) Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia) Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia) Forwards Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police) Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars) David Sakwa (Bandari FC) Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta) Edward Omondi (Sofapaka) Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC) Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz) Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC)
CAF
15-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
18 days to go: CHAN is our moment to show Kenya to the world
Kenya midfielder Alpha Chris Onyango says the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 is more than just a tournament — it's a golden opportunity to elevate the country's football on the continental and global stage. With Kenya co-hosting the event alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Onyango believes the Harambee Stars have a rare chance to showcase their local talent and inspire national pride. Speaking exclusively the Gor Mahia midfielder reflects on his journey, ambitions, and what CHAN 2024 means for the team and for him personally. Full Q&A with Alpha Chris Onyango How does it feel to represent Kenya on home soil in such a major tournament like CHAN? It means everything to us as local players to play in a major continental championship. This is a chance to represent Kenya on a big stage against some of Africa's best. It's a proud moment. What has the atmosphere in camp been like ahead of this historic tournament? The mood has been very positive. Everyone is working hard to earn selection. There's a real sense of excitement. Hosting CHAN for the first time makes it even more special. You'll be facing some of Africa's biggest football nations. Which fixture excites or worries you the most? We're in a tough group with big teams like Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia. All three fixtures are exciting. I can't single one out — they're all huge games, and we're motivated for each one. As a local-based player, what does CHAN mean to you personally and professionally? It's a massive platform. Personally, it's a chance to showcase my talent. Professionally, it's a step toward reaching the next level of my career. It's an opportunity to be seen across Africa and beyond. What's your message to Kenyan fans ahead of kick-off in August? We urge all our fans to come in large numbers and support us. We'll be playing at Kasarani Stadium, and having the stands full would give us a big boost. Their belief in us will drive us forward. Which teammate do you think will be a surprise package at CHAN? Honestly, our squad is full of exciting young players. It's tough to pick just one. I believe fans will be impressed by the whole team. Has hosting the tournament added pressure or motivation for you and your teammates? Yes, there's pressure, but we view it as positive motivation. Playing at home comes with expectations, but we're embracing it and using it to push ourselves harder. Tell us about your journey from the domestic league to becoming a key figure in the national team. It's been a tough but rewarding journey. I started at Gor Mahia Youth after high school and worked my way up. The past two seasons have been amazing, and I've been guided by senior players like Odada, Olunga, and Akumu. I'm still growing and learning every day. What will it take for Kenya to go far in this tournament? We need to follow the coach's instructions, stay focused, and give 100% in every game. We have a strong squad and a coach who believes in us. If we stay united, we can be a real threat. If you could dedicate a CHAN victory to someone, who would it be and why? Definitely my family. They've supported me through everything and are the reason I've reached this point in my career.
CAF
03-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
McCarthy names provisional TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 Harambee Stars squad
Kenya's head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled a 30-man provisional squad that will begin preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, exactly one month before the Harambee Stars play their opening match of the tournament. Kenya will co-host the biennial Continental showpiece alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania between 02 – 30 August 2025. Former champions and FKF Premier League's runners up Gor Mahia and Bandari FC have each contributed five players to the squad while Police FC who clinched the league title for the first time ever have four players in the 30-man list. The Ulinzi Stars duo of Staphod Odhiambo and Yakeen Muteheli will drape in national colours for the first time ever after earning their debut call ups. Meanwhile, Tusker FC goalkeeper Brian Opondo will train for the first time ever with the national team. He was called up for the last World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and The Gambia, but was not able to join up for camp. In attack, coach McCarthy has included the top three scorers from the just concluded season, with Moses Shummah (17), Emmanuel Osoro (16) and Ryan Ogam (15) all getting a nod to show their scoring prowess on the Continental stage. Ogam, who plays for Tusker FC, missed most of the second leg with a knee injury and only returned for the final game of the season, playing 45 minutes. He scored 15 goals in 19 appearances for the Brewers. McCarthy's team is scheduled to report for camp on 10 July, to begin preparation for their debut in the tournament tailor-made for local based players. The Harambee Stars have been drawn in Group A alongside DR Congo, Morocco, Angola and Zambia. They kick off their campaign against 2016 Champions DRC on 3 August at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani. FULL SQUAD: Goalkeepers Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari), 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)
CAF
11-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
New Kenya coach McCarthy blends youth and experience for World Cup qualifiers
Kenya's new head coach Benni McCarthy has named his first squad ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon, blending experienced internationals with fresh young talent. The Harambee Stars will face Gambia on March 20 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, before hosting Gabon in Nairobi on March 24 as they aim to boost their qualification hopes. McCarthy's squad features several exciting young prospects, including Edward Omondi, Ben Stanley, Kelly Madada, and Andreas Odhiambo. Australian-born midfielder William Lenkupae has also been included, adding further depth to the midfield options. The South African tactician appears keen on giving younger players a platform while retaining key senior figures. Striker Michael Olunga, captain and Kenya's leading scorer, will lead the attack, supported by the likes of Jonah Ayunga and Masud Juma. At the back, Stade Reims defender Joseph Okumu headlines a solid defensive selection, which also includes Daniel Anyembe (Viborg FF) and Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch). The midfield will be marshaled by Richard Odada, Duke Abuya, and Timothy Ouma. McCarthy also revealed that a local-based training camp will be held from March 12 to assess home-based talent ahead of both the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the World Cup qualifiers. 'This Wednesday will mark my first camp with local-based players to assess their quality for the upcoming CHAN and potentially identify additions for the World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon,' McCarthy stated. The players are expected to report to camp on March 12 to begin preparations for the two critical matches. Squad Goalkeepers: Brian Opondo (Tusker FC), Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Ian Otieno (Richards Bay, South Africa), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City, South Africa) Defenders: Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Siraj Mohamed (Bandari FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Levis Esambe (AFC Leopards SC), Eric Ouma (Rakow Czestochowa, Poland), Johnstone Omurwa (Kapaz FC, Azerbaijan), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims, France), Collins Sichenje (FK Vojvodina, Serbia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg FF, Denmark), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch, South Africa), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia) Midfielders: Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards SC), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (KCB FC), Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Richard Odada (OFK Beograd, Serbia), Duke Abuya (Young Africans, Tanzania), Timothy Ouma (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Apollo Otieno (Dodoma Jiji, Tanzania), Amos Nondi (FC Ararat, Armenia), Eric Johanna (UTA Arad, Romania), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar Khorramabad, Iran), Ismail Gonzalez (Merida AD, Spain), William Lenkupae (Central Coast Mariners, Australia) Forwards: Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Alvin Mang'eni (Kenya Police FC), Mohamed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), Eric Balecho (Tusker FC), Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka FC), Elvis Rupia (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), John Avire (Porto Suez, Egypt), Jonah Ayunga (St Mirren, Scotland), Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Mathew Tegisi (Pamba Jiji, Tanzania), Masud Juma (Esteghlal FC, Iran)
