CECAFA pre-CHAN tournament to go ahead despite Kenya’s withdrawal

Despite Kenya national team Harambee Stars withdrawing from the CECAFA pre-CHAN tournament, the organisers have confirmed that the tournament will proceed as planned in Arusha, Tanzania.

Harambee Stars under Benni McCarthy pulled out of the tournament despite arriving in Arusha with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) citing unsuitable conditions for the team’s participation and overall preparations ahead of the 2024 Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) tournament in August.

Kenya were among the four nations invited for the tournament organised by the Council of East and Central Africa (CECAFA), as part of their preparations for the CHAN tournament that they will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) wishes to inform the public that the Harambee Stars have withdrawn from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Tanzania,” read part of the statement from FKF.

“This decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team’s technical bench, led by head coach Benni McCarthy, after a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions, which were deemed unsuitable for the team’s participation and overall preparations.

“The team will return to Kenya and resume preparations for the upcoming Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) 2024, with full focus now shifting to ensuring optimal readiness for the assignment ahead. FKF remains committed to providing the national team with the best possible environment to compete and represent the country with pride.”

Responding to Kenya’s exit CECAFA Executive Officer, Auka Gecheo said: “It is unfortunate Kenya decided to withdraw after the team had even arrived in Karatu.But we shall go ahead and have matches between the three teams because we believe this will give our teams a good platform to test themselves before CHAN.”

Meanwhile, the tournament will finally kick-off with hosts Tanzania facing Uganda at the Black Rhino Academy Stadium in Karatu, Tanzania.

The second match of the competition will see Uganda face Senegal on July 24th, while the last match between Tanzania and Senegal will take place July 27th. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will co-host the CHAN 2024 competition slated for August 2-30th.