- Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has made three changes to his squad for CHAN 2024.
- The three players ruled out are Mohammed Bajaber, Swaleh Pamba, and Brian Musa.
- They have been replaced by Brian Michira, Edward Omondi, and Crispine Erambo.
With just three days remaining before the kickoff of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has been forced to make two additional alterations to his final squad.
McCarthy had earlier named a 25-man roster, but has now been obliged to implement three changes after a trio of players sustained injuries in the final days leading up to the 19-team tournament, which begins on August 2nd.
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One of the key absentees is versatile Police FC midfielder Brian Musa, who suffered a thigh injury during training and has been ruled out of the competition.
Additionally, Bandari FC defender Swaleh Pamba has been dropped from the squad after medical examinations revealed he was experiencing heart-related complications, a risk McCarthy stated the team could not afford to take.
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Earlier on, Bajaber was the first player to exit the camp after his injury failed to heal in time. The technical team opted to release him, allowing him to focus on recovery as he prepares to join his new club, Simba SC of Tanzania.
The trio has been replaced by Shabana FC’s Brian Michira, Sofapaka’s promising forward Edward Ondimo Omondi, who returns after being previously cut from the provisional squad and Tusker FC midfielder Crispine Erambo, who has earned a spot in the final team.
Benni McCarthy reacts to Harambee Stars squad changes
Speaking at the final open press session on Wednesday, July 30, McCarthy described the exclusion of Musa and Pamba as unfortunate setbacks, highlighting the former’s growing importance in the team setup.
“Unfortunately, we had a very good campaign until we came back from Tanzania for CECAFA. Then we had a major blow. Brian Musa pulled his hamstring, and when we looked at it, we had to take precautions and bring in extra players just in case it was a grade two or three, once the medics confirmed.”
“He (Musa0 is a player who looked like he could have fought for a starting eleven place.”
“We also had medical reports from another player, Swaleh Pamba, and we found he had a slight problem with his heart.
For cautious reasons, we will have to liaise with the CAF medical department to determine what to do with the situation, whether it was critical and if it could jeopardize his career,” he added.
ALSO READ: Shock as key Harambee Stars midfielder exits training camp days before CHAN 2024
With the final squad confirmed, the Harambee Stars are now focused on their opening Group A clash against DR Congo on August 3 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Kenya will also face Angola, Morocco, and Zambia in a challenging group, with home support expected to bolster the team’s performance in their debut CHAN campaign.
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Harambee Stars – CHAN 2024 final squad
Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders
Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders
Crispine Erambo, Brian Michira, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Forwards
Edward Omondi, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch