These are the seven Harambee Stars players who could miss CHAN 2024 on homesoil this August due to moves abroad.
The recent postponement of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to August 2025 has given Harambee Stars ample time to prepare, but it also poses a new challenge—the potential loss of key players to foreign clubs before the tournament kicks off.
With the FKF Premier League concluding in June, several top players are expected to secure moves abroad, which could weaken Kenya’s squad for the competition. Here are seven players who could miss CHAN 2024 due to impending transfers.
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1. Ryan Ogam
Tusker FC’s striking sensation Ryan Ogam has taken the FKF Premier League by storm, netting 15 goals in 14 matches. His exploits have drawn interest from clubs abroad, with an Algerian club reportedly offering Ksh4 million for his services.
While his advisors have suggested waiting for more lucrative European offers at the end of the season, the move to North Africa seems likely, which could rule him out of CHAN 2024.
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2. Ronney Onyango
Gor Mahia winger Ronney Onyango has been embroiled in a transfer saga with Tanzanian side Singida Big Stars, who are demanding a refund of the USD 40,000 (Ksh5.2 million) they paid for his services in November.
Despite previous failed moves to Europe, Onyango remains a hot prospect, and a successful transfer before August could see him miss the tournament.
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3. Sylvester Owino
Gor Mahia’s dependable defender Sylvester Owino has established himself as a key figure in Harambee Stars’ backline alongside Joseph Okumu.
At 23, Owino is attracting interest from foreign clubs, and if he secures a move before August, Kenya will need to find a replacement for one of their most reliable defenders.
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4. Andres Odhiambo
The Kariobangi Sharks midfielder has been earning rave reviews for his performances and was called up to the CHAN squad last October.
His recent signing with the renowned 11MAN Soccer Management agency, which has facilitated major European transfers, suggests he is on the verge of a move. AIK Sporting Director Thomas Berntsen recently scouted him, making a switch to Sweden a strong possibility before CHAN 2024.
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5. Austin Odhiambo
Gor Mahia’s talisman and reigning FKF Premier League MVP, Austin Odhiambo, was close to joining Belgian side KAA Gent, but the deal fell through in the off-season.
With his undeniable talent, another move abroad is highly likely at the end of the season, potentially ruling him out of CHAN 2024.
6. Humphrey Aroko
Another Kariobangi Sharks standout, Aroko, is reportedly being pursued by Swedish clubs.
His impressive performances in the FKF Premier League and Kenya U-20 national team make him a top target for European scouts. If the move materializes, he will be unavailable for the August tournament.
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Timothy Ouma is set to join Czech giants Slavia Praha from Elfsborg, but the metrics show why Premier League clubs, such as Bretford, will continue monitoring his progress ahead of a potential move there in future.
7. Brian Michira
Shabana FC’s Brian Michira missed Harambee Stars’ trip to Zanzibar for the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup due to passport delays.
However, his exceptional league form, which includes 10 goals from the wing, has attracted interest from Tanzania’s KMC FC. If he follows former teammate Mathew Tegisi Momanyi to the Tanzanian Premier League, Kenya will lose yet another key attacking option.
While the CHAN 2024 postponement provides Kenya with more preparation time, it also increases the risk of losing key players to foreign leagues.
With the FKF Premier League ending in June, the national team may have to rebuild its squad if these potential moves materialize. The coming months will be crucial in determining how many of these stars remain available for selection in August.
