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Five Harambee Stars players have attracted foreign interests, risking their eligibility for CHAN 2024.
As preparations intensify for the delayed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in August, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy faces a potential squad shake-up.
Five of Kenya’s key players are either on the verge of overseas moves or have attracted foreign interest, which would render them ineligible for the tournament that exclusively features players active in their domestic leagues.
Pulse Sports takes a look at five players that could be a miss for Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars.
5. Moses Shumah
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Moses Shumah has reportedly departed Kakamega Homeboyz to join Zambian giants Power Dynamos Football Club (PDFC).
The transfer marks a significant career leap for the striker, as he prepares to feature in the 2025/26 Zambian Premier League and the CAF Champions League.
Shumah's move rules him out of CHAN eligibility, dealing a blow to Harambee Stars’ attacking options.
4. Austin Odhiambo
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Gor Mahia midfield dynamo Austin Odhiambo has previously attracted interest from Belgian Pro League side Gent.
Scouts have reportedly followed his performances since last summer, impressed by his quick decision-making, vision, and tactical adaptability.
Should a move materialize, Odhiambo will miss CHAN duties, creating a creative void in Kenya’s midfield.
3. Mohammed Bajaber
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Versatile Kenya Police midfielder Mohammed Bajaber is o the radar of Tanzanian Premier League powerhouses Yanga SC and Azam FC.
Reports from April confirmed serious interest from both clubs.
A transfer across the border to the Tanzanian league would automatically disqualify him from CHAN participation under CAF regulations.
2. Emmanuel Osoro
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In-form Talanta FC striker Emmanuel Osoro is another player whose future hangs in the balance.
While he has confirmed receiving multiple offers from local and foreign clubs, Osoro remains non-committal.
If he chooses to go abroad, Kenya could lose a reliable goal-scoring threat just weeks before the tournament kicks off.
1. Ryan Ogam
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Tusker forward Ryan Ogam narrowly missed a January switch to Algerian side USM Alger after negotiations between the clubs stalled.
Despite the setback, Ogam has not hidden his desire to move abroad and could reignite talks or attract fresh interest before CHAN.
Losing an attacker of his caliber would be setback for McCarthy’s plans.
With CHAN 2024 set to showcase the best of Africa’s local-based talent, these potential exits highlight the double-edged sword for coach Benni McCarthy, whose challenge now lies in balancing ambition with availability.
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