Otieno, Pamzo and Ottamax reveal ideal Harambee Stars XI for CHAN

The trio, who boast years of experience for Harambee Stars, said a balance of form, experience, and chemistry will be a needed blend in the side.

They were speaking on Citizen TV's Sema na Citizen Thursday edition of July 25 with Rahid Abdalla , noting the need for careful selection for each match - considering the diversity of the teams Kenya is pooled with for the tournament.

The three legends expressed confidence in the goalkeeping options currently available, with former goalkeeper Ottamax endorsing Farouk Shikalo as his top pick.

“I have confidence in both goalkeepers, Byrne Omondi and Shikhalo, but I’ll give it to Farouk because of the vast experience he brings to the team.”

Shikhalo was part of Kenya’s squad for the 2019 AFCON tournament and has remained a reliable option over the years. 

Former defender Pamzo named his defence, stating that experience is key in his selection. He picked Tusker’s Daniel Sakari as the right-back and captain Aboud Omar as the left-back.

“My two wing-back picks are Dan Sakari on the right and Captain Aboud  to marshal the left side of defence,” he said, underlining Aboud's experience will be key as the senior most player in the squad. 

At the centre-back, Pamzo backed a Gor Mahia pairing of Alphonce Ominja and Sylvester Owino.

“The central defence partnership is the spine of the team. I’ll go with Omija and Owino. They play for Gor Mahia, a club always under pressure, so they’re suited to handle high-pressure games at Kasarani.”

He also praised Michael Kibwage’s experience but cited poor form at Tusker as a reason for excluding him.

Musa Otieno backed the Omija-Owino pairing, noting their aerial strength.

“Omija and Owino bring aerial dominance to the team. Against physically imposing opponents like DRC, they’ll be key in winning duels.”

Musa preferred a midfield trio that included Marvin Nabwire of Kenya Police FC in the holding role, flanked by Gor Mahia’s Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo.

“The midfield is a very key role. I’d field Marvin Nabwire, Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo. The duo of Onyango and Odhiambo has played together at Gor Mahia and would blend well at national level.”

“Marvin Nabwire gets the nod for the deeper role. He’s had a fantastic season at Kenya Police and will do much of the dirty work.”

According to Musa, Alpha Onyango would perform well if tasked with linking play with Odhiambo operating in a more advanced role to create scoring chances.

For the front three, Pamzo selected Ulinzi Stars man Boniface Muchiri on the left wing, Felix Oluoch on the right, and Masoud Juma to lead the line.

“Austin Odongo is still a young player and lacks experience; we can’t put the weight of attack on him yet. Rayan Ogam is coming off an injury-hit season, so he’ll be more useful as a late substitute,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Ottamax appealed to Kenyan's to come out in large numbers to suuport the team, saying fans' support is crucial when playing at home.

"Kenyans are known to demand results immediately. We however have to support the boys from the start and be consistent. We must show positivity, fans have a huge role if Harambee Stars has to go far in this tournament," he noted.

Kenya will take on DR Congo, Morocco, Angola and Zambia in Group A, with all matches featuring the Benni McCarthy-coached side taking place at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani.

The opening match will be on August 3, against Congo. 

Pamzo-Musa-Ottamax Combined XI

Farouk Shikhalo, Dan Sakari, Aboud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Marvin Nabwire, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Boniface Muchiri, Masoud Juma, Felix Oluoch.