Harambee Stars Withdraw from CECAFA Four Nations Tournament Ahead of CHAN

Harambee Stars players 

Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, has withdrawn from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament just hours before the competition’s kickoff in Tanzania. 

The announcement was made by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in an official statement on Monday, July 21.

According to FKF, the decision was made following recommendations from the national team’s technical bench, led by head coach Benni McCarthy. 

The statement cited “unsuitable prevailing conditions” for the team’s participation and preparation as the main reason for the withdrawal.

“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) wishes to inform the public that the Harambee Stars have withdrawn from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Tanzania,” read the FKF statement. 

“The decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team’s technical bench after a thorough assessment.”

The CECAFA Four Nations Tournament was set to begin on the same day at Karatu Stadium in Tanzania. 

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy

The Harambee Stars were scheduled to play the opening match against Uganda. The team had already arrived in Tanzania and was preparing for the match before the decision to pull out was made.

The tournament had initially featured four teams: Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and guest side Senegal.

Senegal had replaced Congo Brazzaville, who withdrew three days earlier due to logistical issues. With Kenya’s last-minute exit, the balance and logistics of the competition have been thrown into uncertainty.

FKF indicated that the team would return to Kenya immediately to focus on preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off in under two weeks. 

“Full focus now shifts to ensuring optimal readiness for the assignment ahead,” the federation added.

The withdrawal leaves a gap in the tournament schedule and raises questions about whether a replacement can be found in time or if the format will be adjusted.

Organizers have yet to issue an official response to Kenya’s withdrawal or announce any modifications to the tournament's fixtures.