The men’s national football team, Harambee Stars, will have to make do without the services of highly rated Mohammed Bajaber in the two upcoming friendlies against Chad scheduled for June 7 and 10.
This is after the Kenya Police attacker sustained a right thigh injury, according to a communique issued by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
“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.
Team doctor Wycliffe Makanga confirmed the injury, ruling Bajaber out of the trip to Morocco,” the statement from FKF read.
FKF also announced that his spot would not be filled up by another player.
“No replacement has been named, with 23 players set to travel tonight for the matches scheduled for 7th and 10th June in Marrakech,” they said.
The matches against Chad are a crucial part of Kenya’s comprehensive preparations for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania in August.
McCarthy’s 23-man roster, trimmed from the provisional squad, features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, nine midfielders and three forwards.
Among the standout local call-ups is Gor Mahia’s creative midfielder Austin Odhiambo, who was a late addition to the provisional squad, stepping in for Victor Wanyama who withdrew from the squad.
ALSO READ: McCarthy explains Wanyama recall, urges Kenyans to respect former captain
He will be joined by his club teammate Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino. Kenya Police FC’s experienced fullback Abud Omar and defender Daniel Sakari have also been selected.
FKF Premier League top scorer Emmanuel Osoro of FC Talanta and Kakamega Homeboyz striker Moses Shumah further bolster the attack.
Making his debut in the national team setup is Bandari FC’s rising defensive talent Swaleh Pamba, earning his maiden call-up.
Meanwhile, the dropped players are Bidco United defender Kenneth Nyamwaya and Czech-based Timothy Ouma.
The squad is set to depart Nairobi on Tuesday night ahead of the back-to-back fixtures, which serve as vital tune-ups for upcoming continental engagements.
Harambee Stars final squad
Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)
Defender
Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch FC)
Midfielders
Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Adam Wilson (The New Saints FC), William Lenkupae Wilson (Central Coast Mariners FC), Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia)
Forwards
Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)