CHAN 2024: 5 Harambee Stars Goal Machines Benni McCarthy Can Turn to Amid Setback

The Harambee Stars camp has experienced an unexpected shake-up ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with key forwards like Mohammed Bajaber, Moses Shumah, and Emmanuel Osoro pulling out of the squad with injury to the former while the latter two are ineligible having secured moves to Zambian side Dynamo.

These withdrawals have left head coach Benni McCarthy scrambling to rebuild his frontline. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of homegrown talent ready to step up.

Pulse Sports takes a look at five goal machines McCarthy can count on, ranked from as Kenya kicks off its CHAN campaign on Sunday against DR Congo at a packed Kasarani Stadium.

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Replacing Bajaber in the CHAN squad, Bryan Michira arrives with a strong resume.

The Shabana winger was the club’s top scorer and crucial player for the Glamour Boys during the 2024/25 campaign.

Michira is a direct and fearless wide attacker who thrives in 1v1 situations. He cuts inside with purpose and is always looking to shoot.

Despite being new to the national scene, his form and fearlessness could be just what Kenya needs in a tournament where raw energy often makes the difference.

Last season’s top scorer for league runners up Gor Mahia, Austin Odhiambo, is a player who blends technical finesse with lethal finishing.

The midfielder struck 11 goals for K’Ogalo in the FKF Premier League and has matured into a reliable attacking threat.

Odhiambo brings creativity and movement, often drifting into pockets of space to create or finish chances.

He thrives in tight spaces and possesses a deceptive left foot that can unlock defences, especially in transition.

With McCarthy expected to emphasize tactical flexibility, Odhiambo’s ability to float between midfield and attack may prove vital in unlocking tight matches.

Boniface Muchiri is Kenya’s go-to dead-ball expert.

The Ulinzi Stars forward finished as the club’s top scorer last season and has developed a reputation for consistently dangerous deliveries, whether from corners, free kicks, or open play.

The 28-year-old winger is expected to provide much of the ammunition for Kenya’s front line.

His accurate crossing and long-range shooting ability add an extra dimension to the attack.

With a more target-man-centric frontline, Muchiri’s delivery will be essential in supplying chances from the flanks and set pieces.

Ryan Ogam has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most exciting young forwards in Kenya.

He netted 15 goals in the FKF Premier League last season, making him Tusker’s top scorer and one of the league’s standout performers.

Ogam’s pace, dribbling, and excellent heading ability make him a versatile threat.

His quick turns and ability to draw fouls in dangerous areas will be useful in relieving pressure and creating scoring opportunities.

McCarthy could be tempted to unleash him from the start or use him as an impact substitute, where his energy and speed could devastate tired defences.

Masoud Juma is the most experienced striker in the CHAN squad and McCarthy’s most dependable goal-getter.

What gives Juma the edge is his chemistry with McCarthy, who signed him at Cape Town City in 2018.

The South African coach knows Juma’s strengths that lie in aerial prowess, physicality, intelligent movement, and sharp finishing.

His work rate and ability to hold up play also allow teammates to join the attack effectively.

If Kenya is to go deep in the CHAN tournament, Juma will likely be the man leading the charge.

Despite the loss of three of their most prolific forwards, Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 squad still boasts plenty of firepower.

With a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry young talent, Benni McCarthy will be banking on this new-look strike force to deliver goals and with them, glory.