Harambee Stars out to face Chad as Bajaber withdraws from team
Football
By
Washington Onyango
| Jun 04, 2025
Harambee Stars midfielder Mohammed Bajaber in a training session. [FKF Media]
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy named his final squad for the two friendlies against Chad set to be played in Marrakech, Morocco come June on 7th and 10th.
The team departed from Nairobi on Tuesday night ahead of the back-to-back matches, which form part of Kenya’s preparations for upcoming international competitions.
Kenya Police FC midfielder Mohammed Bajaber however pulled out late after being ruled out of the team after sustaining a right thigh injury during training.
Team doctor Wycliffe Makanga confirmed the injury, ruling Bajaber out of the trip to Morocco. No replacement has been named.
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Speaking to FKF Media, Stars coach Benni McCarthy said the two matches will act as part of Kenya’s preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The former Manchester United first team coach said the friendlies will also serve the team in building match fitness, assessing foreign-based talent, and laying the groundwork for a competitive squad ahead of AFCON 2027, which Kenya is set to co-host.
Among the fresh faces in the squad is Adam Wilson, the forward currently on loan at The New Saints (TNS) from Bradford City.
Wilson, a product of the Newcastle United academy, missed the last round of national team duty but has earned a call-up after an impressive club season.
Timothy Ouma, Brian Mandela, and Wilson Lenkupae are the other names in the team.
Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikalo, Sepstianos Wekesa will man the goal as Aplhoce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Dnaiel Sakari and AFC Leopards captain Lewis Dandi stand in the defence alongside Mandela, Swaleh Pemba and Siraj Mohammed.
Final squad
Goalkeepers: Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikalo, Sepstianos Wekesa
Defenders: Brian Mandela, Alphoce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Siraj Mohammed, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari, Swaleh Pamba, Lewis Bandi
Midfielders: Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley Omondi, Boniface Muchiri, Mohammed Bajaber, William Lenkupae, Adam Wilson, James Kinyanjui, David Sakwa,
Forwards: Beja Nyamawi, Moses Shumah, Emmanuel Osoro