Kenya Team Set for US Showdown Against Ecuador as CHAN Preparation Kicks Off

Kenya’s Football Federation Chief Nick Mwendwa has unveiled plans for Kenya’s locally based team to engage in a friendly match against Ecuador in the United States next month, in preparation for this year’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

Mwendwa revealed that discussions are ongoing, with a high likelihood of the friendly taking place as the first step towards September’s CHAN, which Kenya is slated to co-host with neighboring countries Uganda and Tanzania.

Mwendwa said in an interview that discussions are ongoing, and efforts are being made to facilitate the arrangement. Despite logistical hurdles involving visa procedures and time limitations, the local team is prepared to tackle the challenge.

Given the travel times involved and FIFA regulations for friendly matches, Mwendwa emphasized the necessity of sending the CHAN team for the friendly rather than the ‘A’ team.

Simultaneously, as the CHAN team gears up in the USA, the senior team is set to partake in a four-nation tournament in Malawi from March 16-22, alongside hosts Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Notably, Malawi and Zambia will include their Under-20 teams, which will face off against Kenya.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba underscored the importance of integrating the Under-20 team into senior team activities, aiming to nurture talent early for AFCON 2027. Namwamba stressed the significance of investing in youth for long-term success.

The discussion on Thursday also addressed Kenya’s readiness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania.

Additionally, Mwendwa revealed plans for up to eight teams to participate in international matches during the March and April FIFA windows, with the Under-15 team slated for participation in the MIC tournament in Spain.