NAIROBI: Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has been dealt a fresh blow ahead of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), with winger Mohammed Bajaber exiting the national camp to complete a move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC.

Bajaber’s departure adds to McCarthy’s growing selection headache, as he had already lost Kenya Premier League (KPL) top scorers Moses Shumma and Emmanuel Osoro earlier this month.

The two strikers, who played pivotal roles in the 2024/2025 season, signed with Zambia’s Power Dynamos, ruling them out of CHAN eligibility, which is restricted to players based in domestic leagues.

Shumma, who netted 17 goals for Kakamega Homeboyz, and Osoro, who scored 16 for now-relegated Talanta FC, were both expected to spearhead Kenya’s attack during the tournament.

Bajaber, 22, had joined Kenya Police FC from Nairobi City Stars in January 2025 for Sh1 million, and was instrumental in helping the club secure its first-ever KPL title.

A product of Starfield Academy, he had been on Simba SC’s radar for weeks. Following successful negotiations, the talented winger reportedly signed a two-year deal and is set to link up with the Tanzanian club’s pre-season camp in Cairo, Egypt.

The player had been training individually last week due to a minor injury, but his absence from the national team camp has now been confirmed as permanent.

In response, McCarthy has recalled Sofapaka winger Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi to the CHAN squad. His inclusion comes just a day after Shabana FC forward Brian Michira was also drafted in to reinforce the attacking line.

With Bajaber, Shumma, and Osoro all unavailable, McCarthy will turn to a blend of experience and youth, relying on forwards Masud Juma, Felix Oluoch, Ryan Ogam, David Sakwa, Boniface Muchiri, Austin Odongo, Omondi, and Michira to lead the frontline.

Meanwhile, Tusker midfielder Chrispine Erambo has joined the squad after receiving a late call-up. He trained with the team yesterday at Kasarani Stadium following injuries to Kenya Police duo Marvin Nabwire and Brian Musa.

The two midfielders sustained knocks during a 4-0 closed-door friendly win over their own club on Saturday.

Harambee Stars are set to kick off their CHAN campaign on August 3 against DR Congo at Kasarani, before facing Angola on August 7 and Morocco on August 10.