Harambee Stars withdraws from CECAFA hours before opening match with Tanzania

Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has pulled out of the Four-Nation Tournament that gets underway today in Karatu, Tanzania.

This has been confirmed by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), which said the decision was made after an assessment by Harambee Stars Head Coach Benni McCarthy and his team.

“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) wishes to inform the public that the Harambee Stars have withdrawn from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Tanzania.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

McCarthy is reported to have cited poor logistical arrangements, highlighting substandard accommodation and an unsuitable training ground as key reasons for the withdrawal.

The decision comes just hours before the team was scheduled to face hosts Tanzania in their opening match today.

The team was to later face Senegal and Uganda in the group stage matches on Thursday and Sunday, respectively, after their schedule was changed following the withdrawal of Congo Brazzaville due to logistical challenges.

Before withdrawing, McCarthy had said that the tournament was an ideal opportunity to assess his squad’s readiness for CHAN later next month.

“It is a good tournament to gauge our preparedness for CHAN,” McCarthy stated. “We are going to face formidable opponents, and that will clearly show us what is working and what needs to be fixed.”

The Kenyan squad, comprising 25 players, had travelled to Arusha over the weekend.

The team will return to Kenya and resume preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, with full focus now shifting to ensuring optimal readiness for the assignment ahead.