McCarthy has invited the Shabana marksman to the Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 training camp as he seeks to replace Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro, who joined Zambian outfit Power Dynamos recently.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has included Shabana FC’s rising star Austin Odongo in his squad as preparations intensify for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The former Manchester United assistant coach made the decision following the departure of strikers Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro, both of whom signed for Zambian champions Power Dynamos—rendering them ineligible for the CHAN tournament, which is exclusively for players active in their domestic leagues.
To fill the gap, McCarthy had initially called up several local forwards including Clinton Kinanga (Kenya Police), Felix Oluoch (Posta Rangers), Kevin Etemesi (Nairobi City Stars), and Markvivian Kesa (Naivas).
)
15:30 - 17.07.2025
FKF Boss Explains Reason For Low CHAN 2024 Marketing, Clarifies Ticket Prices in Kenya
FKF President Hussein Mohammed has revealed how much tickets for the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament will cost for fans in Kenya.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
Ultimately, Pulse Sports understands only Oluoch made the final cut, alongside the newly invited Odongo.
Osoro, Shumah Ineligible
)
Osoro, last season’s FKF Premier League runner-up top scorer with 16 goals and seven assists, pulled out of the Harambee Stars camp to complete a two-year move to Power Dynamos. His move followed shortly after that of Moses Shumah, who also joined the same club.
According to CAF regulations, their transfers outside the local league made them ineligible to represent Kenya at CHAN 2024.
)
19:30 - 17.07.2025
Ruth Chepng'etich: Athletics Integrity Unit Provisionally Suspends World Record Holder
Ruth Chepng'etich has been provisionally suspended by the AIU after testing positive for a banned substance.
It’s a Shame Losing Osoro
Responding to a question by Pulse Sports during an open media session at Kasarani on Wednesday , McCarthy lamented the loss of key players just weeks before the tournament.
“We’ve already lost Emmanuel Osoro. He was a very key figure in the team, but he signed a contract with a foreign club, so with CAF’s rules, he can’t play in the CHAN,” said McCarthy.
“He did exceptionally well in the league and was outstanding when we were out in Morocco. Then you get to lose a player just before CHAN starts—it’s tough.”
“Shumah was also part of my provisional squad, and to lose both of them in such a short time is difficult. But we have to keep an open mind and give opportunities to other local players who can impress and help the team.”
)
13:30 - 17.07.2025
Viktor Gyokeres: Arsenal Target's Payment Structure Revealed
Arsenal are close to finalising Viktor Gyokeres' transfer from Sporting ahead of their departure for the Asian tour.