- Mohammed Bajaber has left the Harambee Stars training camp just five days ahead of CHAN 2024.
- The reason for his exit is unclear, though he had been training alone due to injury and may have joined Tanzanian giants Simba SC, making him ineligible for CHAN.
Harambee Stars’ attacking midfielder Mohammed Bajaber has exited the national team’s training camp just five days ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
While the exact reason for Bajaber’s omission from the final 25-man squad remains undisclosed, he was noticeably absent from training on Monday, July 28.
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Kenya is set to face DR Congo on Sunday, August 3, in the opening match of the tournament, which the country is co-hosting alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The FKF Premier League champion with Kenya Police FC, Bajaber had been training separately under the supervision of head coach Benni McCarthy, who had high hopes for the playmaker’s impact in the competition.
“Bajaber is very close to being fully integrated into the squad, but as a precaution, he has been undergoing individual training,” McCarthy stated during a press briefing at Nyayo Stadium.
“We don’t want to rush any player back from injury. We would rather take our time to ensure full recovery. He’s the kind of player who gives everything on the pitch.”
ALSO READ: McCarthy names Harambee Stars final squad for CHAN 2024
However, speculation is rife that Bajaber may be on the verge of completing a transfer to Tanzanian giants Simba SC, who have been pursuing his signature.
Should the move go through, he would be rendered ineligible for CHAN, which is exclusively reserved for players active in their respective domestic leagues.
With Bajaber out, McCarthy now faces the challenge of selecting a suitable replacement.
Bajaber’s exit forces McCarthy to consider Michira, Omondi, and Erambo for CHAN squad
Three new faces have emerged in the training camp on Monday: Brian Michira of Shabana FC, Sofapaka player Edward Ondimo Omondi who was a member of the provisional squad and Tusker FC midfielder Chrispine Erambo.
All three will be vying to impress the South African tactician and earn their spot in the final lineup.
Bajaber was expected to be a central figure in Kenya’s campaign, as the country prepares for its debut appearance in the prestigious tournament.
Kenya has been drawn into a challenging Group A, alongside continental heavyweights DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia.
All group-stage matches will be held at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Harambee Stars – CHAN 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers:
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders:
Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders:
Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Chrispine Erambo
Forwards:
Brian Michira, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch, Edward Omondi
CHAN 2024 – Group A Fixtures (All Matches at Kasarani Stadium)
- Kenya vs DR Congo – Sunday, August 3 | 3:00 PM
- Angola vs Kenya – Thursday, August 7 | 7:00 PM
- Kenya vs Morocco – Sunday, August 10 | 3:00 PM
- Zambia vs Kenya – Sunday, August 17 | 3:00 PM