Benni McCarthy Suffers Setback as Key Harambee Stars Forward Withdraws from Chad Friendly Due to Injury

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy will have to do without one of his key players during the upcoming friendly matches against Chad.

Kenya play Chad on June 7 and then again three days later as McCarthy begins preparations for the delayed 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) that will be held in East Africa from August.

However, the Harambee Stars coach will not have Kenya Police forward Mohammed Bajaber after he pulled out of the team late due to an injury with the tactician not able to find a replacement.

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“Kenya Police FC midfielder Mohammed Bajaber has been ruled out of Harambee Stars’ upcoming friendlies against Chad after sustaining a right thigh injury during training on Tuesday,” Football Kenya Federation confirmed on Tuesday.

“Team doctor Wycliffe Makanga confirmed the injury, ruling Bajaber out of the trip to Morocco. No replacement has been named, with 23 players set to travel tonight. We wish Bajaber a quick and full recovery.”

It is a major setback for McCarthy who has been thrilled with the attacker, having handed him his national team debut against The Gambia in March, when he came on as a second half substitute and scored a great goal as Kenya fought back to draw 3-3.

He would be handed his first start in the home match against Gabon, which Kenya lost 2-1, and remains a key player for both Harambee Stars and Police.