Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has been dealt a fresh blow ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), following the departure of winger Mohammed Bajaber to Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
Bajaber’s exit comes just days after top scorers Moses Shumma and Emmanuel Osoro also left the national camp. The duo signed for Zambian side Power Dynamos earlier this month, leaving McCarthy short of attacking options.
Shumma, formerly of Kakamega Homeboyz, netted 17 goals last season to emerge as the top scorer in the 2024/2025 FKF Premier League, while Osoro, who played for relegated Talanta FC, scored 16. Both had been expected to lead the frontline in Kenya’s CHAN campaign.
Bajaber, 22, joined Kenya Police FC from Nairobi City Stars in January 2025 for a reported Ksh1 million and played a key role in the club’s maiden league title win. The former Starfield Academy winger had been training alone last week due to a minor injury but was confirmed to have sealed a two-year deal with Simba SC. He is set to join the club’s pre-season training camp in Cairo, Egypt.
With CHAN regulations restricting participation to players based in domestic leagues, McCarthy is now forced to restructure his forward line. In response, he has recalled Sofapaka winger Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi, just a day after bringing in Shabana’s Brian Michira.
The team will now rely on a revamped attacking unit featuring Masud Juma, Felix Oluoch, Ryan Ogam, David Sakwa, Boniface Muchiri, Austin Odongo, Ondimo, and Michira.
Meanwhile, Tusker midfielder Chrispine Erambo trained with the team yesterday at Kasarani Stadium, after receiving a late call-up. He replaces Kenya Police duo Marvin Nabwire and Brian Musa, who picked up injuries during Saturday’s 4-0 closed-door friendly win over their club.
Kenya will begin their CHAN Group A campaign against DR Congo on August 3 at Kasarani, before facing Angola on August 7 and Morocco on August 10. They will take a one-week break before concluding the group stage against Zambia on August 17.
