The opening match between Kenya and Uganda that was due to take place on Monday July 21, was cancelled after Harambee Stars’ sudden withdrawal from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament.
Through a statement, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) said that this decision came following recommendations and advice by the team’s technical bench.
They also stated that after a thorough assessment, prevailing conditions were deemed unsuitable for the team’s preparation.
“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,” read part of the statement.
FKF said that the team, which had already arrived in Arusha on Saturday in preparation of their opening match against Uganda, would return to resume preparations for the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 which is set to kick off from August 2 to 30.
“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.”
The CHAN 2024 tournament which will be co-hosted for the first time by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is set to kick off on August 2 to August 30. This is a major milestone for the East African nations as the competition serves as a prelude for the 2027 AFCON tournament that will be hosted by the same nations.
Many Kenyans took to X to display their disappointment on the sudden withdrawal from the competition as it would provide the head coach a chance to assess his players so as to pick a strong team for the upcoming CHAN competition.
“This decision is strange, I thought playing other National teams in a competitive environment is the ideal way to prepare for the future bigger tournaments?” said a comment.
Kenya becomes the third nation to withdraw from the CECAFA competition. South Sudan was the first to pull out emphasizing that its focus was on the newly launched domestic league.
Congo-Brazzaville followed a week later citing logistical and transportation challenges prompting Senegal to step in as their replacement. With only three nations remaining, the round-robin system will be adopted- the three teams with play each other once with the team acquiring the most points becoming champions.
– By Anthony Mwangi
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