Despite arriving in Arusha, Tanzania, the country for the tournament, Kenya pulled out at the eleventh hour citing unsuitable conditions for the team’s participation and overall preparations ahead of the CHAN tournament that they will co-host alongside Uganda, and Tanzania.
Despite Kenya’s withdrawal, Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) later confirmed the tournament will proceed as planned with hosts Tanzania set to face Uganda at the Black Rhino Academy Stadium in Karatu, Tanzania, on Tuesday, July 22nd.
“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,” said CECAFA Executive Officer, Auka Gecheo.
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’s withdrawal a blow to mental preparedness
According to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League outfit Gor Mahia vice president Sally Bolo, the withdrawal by Kenya will dampen the mental preparedness of the squad and kill the spirit of fans, who were beginning to believe.
“Skipping this tournament may have dealt a blow to the mental preparedness of our CHAN squad and dampened the spirit of fans who were beginning to believe. This was more than a build-up; it was a statement of intent, and sadly, we missed it,” Bolo told Flashscore.
“Despite the sports logistical setbacks in Arusha, the Harambee Stars technical bench should have seen the bigger picture and remained for the tournament. This wasn’t just another friendly competition; it was a golden opportunity.”
Bolo continued: “After assembling a squad fresh from post-season breaks and spending days in camp, this tournament was a perfect platform to assess fitness levels, experiment with tactics, and build cohesion ahead of CHAN. Walking away cost us more than just matches; it disrupted momentum, shattered morale, and sent the wrong message.
“In modern football, 80% of the game is won off the pitch. Travel, logistics, communication, and mental conditioning, that’s where victories are shaped. The federation must now embrace global best practices in sports and event management. Preparing national teams isn't just about talent; it’s about structure, psychology, and professional execution.”
The tournament, which will have Senegal, could have provided Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy with a great opportunity to gauge the preparedness of his squad ahead of the CHAN tournament.
CAF unveils ‘PAMOJA’ campaign and official poster
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially launched the campaign for the CHAN, unveiling the tournament’s official poster and theme under the banner “PAMOJA”.
According to the African body, the heart of the campaign is the word ‘PAMOJA’, a Swahili term meaning “unity”. More than just a slogan, ‘PAMOJA’ embodies the spirit of togetherness, harmony, and shared ambition. It reflects the collective strength of African communities and the values that football brings to life, teamwork, collaboration and solidarity.
The official poster, revealed across CAF’s digital platforms and broadcast partners, visually encapsulates the vibrancy of African football and the unique cultural heritage of the host nations. Designed with bold, energetic motifs, the poster showcases East African landmarks and symbolic elements that resonate with the values of ‘PAMOJA’.
Harambee Stars, who are drawn into Group A - arguably the 'Group of Death' - will face DR Congo, Morocco, Zambia, and Angola in what promises to be a demanding campaign.
