Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has been dealt a blow ahead of the team’s upcoming international friendlies against Chad, following the withdrawal of midfielder Mohammed Bajaber due to injury.
According to an official statement from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the Kenya Police FC midfielder sustained a right thigh injury during a training session on Tuesday, ruling him out of the squad’s trip to Marrakech, Morocco.
“Kenya Police FC midfielder Mohammed Bajaber has been ruled out of Harambee Stars’ upcoming friendlies against Chad after sustaining a right thigh injury during training on Tuesday,” read the FKF statement.
“Team doctor Wycliffe Makanga confirmed the injury, ruling Bajaber out of the trip to Morocco. No replacement has been named, with 23 players set to travel tonight for the matches scheduled for 7th and 10th June in Marrakech. We wish Bajaber a quick and full recovery.”
Bajaber’s absence is a major setback for coach McCarthy, who was counting on the in-form youngster to play a key role in midfield and attacking transitions during the two friendlies. The matches are part of Harambee Stars’ wider preparations for AFCON 2026 qualifiers and upcoming World Cup qualification campaigns.
The team is set to depart on Wednesday night with a 23-man squad. No replacement has been named for Bajaber, who had begun to establish himself as one of the most promising talents in the national setup.
The friendlies against Chad will take place on June 7 and June 10 in Marrakech, providing McCarthy an opportunity to test combinations and tactics ahead of competitive fixtures later in the year.
