The Harambee Stars has departed the country for South Sudan ahead of their first-leg 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) CECAFA qualifier match.
The match is scheduled to be played on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Juba International Stadium, with kickoff at 3 PM EAT.
The return leg will take place on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 4 PM EAT at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.
After failing a late fitness test, midfielder Kenneth Muguna has been ruled out of the squad. He has been replaced by Clifford Otieno of Nairobi City Stars, who joins the travelling squad.
The team jets out a day after coach Engin Firat has unveiled his final squad for the qualifiers.
While Kenya has already secured automatic qualification for the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1-28, 2025, the national team is determined to make a strong statement in the qualifiers.
Should Kenya triumph over South Sudan, they will advance to the final phase of the qualifiers, where they will meet the winner of the Djibouti vs Rwanda tie. The final phase is slated for December 20-27, 2024.
Boost for CECAFA Region
For the first time, CAF has granted three nations the opportunity to co-host the prestigious CHAN tournament, and with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania securing automatic qualification, CECAFA is set to enjoy increased representation in the competition.
The region has been awarded an additional spot, meaning one more CECAFA team will qualify for the tournament.
Harambee Stars traveling squad
Goalkeepers
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
Andres Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Vincent Owino (Nairobi City Stars), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), Clifford Otieno (Nairobi City Stars), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Issa Lumumba (Ulinzi Stars), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC), Matthias Isogol (Mara Sugar)
Forwards
Victor Omune (AFC Leopards), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Mathew Tegisi (Shabana), Patrick Otieno (KCB)
