2024 CHAN: Setback for Benni McCarthy as Moses Shumah Joins Power Dynamos

The head coach of Kenya, Benni McCarthy, is set to make changes to his provisional squad for the forthcoming 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) after the unexpected exit of star striker Moses Shumah, who has secured a move to Power Dynamos in the Zambian Super League.

By signing with Dynamos, Shumah, the top scorer of the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League with 17 goals, will unfortunately be ineligible to represent Kenya, since the tournament is reserved for players continuing with their local clubs.

Power Dynamos, who recently clinched the Super League title and will compete in the CAF Champions League, announced the signing of the Kakamega Homeboyz striker on their official platform.

“Power Dynamos is delighted to unveil five new signings as we strengthen our squad in preparation for the 2025/26 MTN-sponsored Zambian Premier League (ZPL) season and the upcoming CAF Champions League,” stated the club.

“One of our new additions is Moses Shumah, who finished as the top scorer in the Kenyan Premier League with 17 goals last season for Kakamega Homeboyz. We expect his presence to significantly enhance our attacking capabilities.”

“Additionally, we welcome Samuel Ayodeji Bamidele, a central defender from Nigeria’s Shooting Stars SC, and Innocent Kashita, an attacking midfielder from Nkwazi FC, who was a runner-up in the Betway Player of the Season awards. His creativity and vision will be a tremendous asset for our midfield.”

The statement further added: “We are also pleased to announce Daniel Adoko, a midfielder from NAPSA Stars, and Ronnel Manyanga, a Zambian winger who previously played in the Botswana Football League. Both players bring a wealth of experience and talent that will deepen our squad.”

Playing their home games at the Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe, Dynamos secured the league title by accumulating 68 points from 34 matches.

Homeboyz Confirm Shumah’s Departure

Shumah had been among the strikers selected by the South African coach for the eighth edition of the tournament, jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Other notable names in the squad include; Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), Ryan Ogam (Tusker), and Beja Nyamawi (Bandari).

“The player has completed his medical and been officially introduced, but we are currently awaiting the agreed payment from Dynamos before finalising his release. Undoubtedly, this will be a significant setback for McCarthy, as Shumah is the type of striker who can deliver goals.”

“His capability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations and his fearlessness in attacking the opponent’s danger zone contributed greatly to us finishing third in the league, following behind champions Kenya Police FC and Gor Mahia. His goals were crucial, and he could have been an essential player for McCarthy during the CHAN tournament, but the transfer was unavoidable as the player was eager to join.”

Harambee Stars will compete in their Group A encounters at Kasarani Stadium, having been drawn against Morocco, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. Their opening match will be at 15:00 local time against DR Congo.

Following their initial clash with DR Congo, Kenya will face Angola on Tuesday, August 7, followed by a match against Morocco on Sunday, August 10, and conclude their group fixtures versus Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Sunday, August 17.

This edition will be Kenya’s first appearance in the CHAN tournament. While the nation previously took part in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, where they exited at the group stage, the Harambee Stars are keen to make a significant mark this time, especially with the added motivation of competing on home turf.

The tournament is scheduled to occur from August 2 to August 30, 2025, promising to be an exciting showcase of local football talent across East Africa.