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

Benni McCarthy, the head coach of the Kenyan national team, will need to make adjustments to his provisional squad for the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). This comes in light of the sudden transfer of star striker Moses Shumah, who has signed with Zambia Super League side Power Dynamos.

With his new contract at Dynamos, Shumah, who claimed the title of top scorer in the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League with 17 goals, is now ineligible to compete for Kenya. The tournament is reserved for players actively participating in their country’s local leagues.

Power Dynamos, champions of the Super League and representatives for Zambia in the CAF Champions League, announced Shumah’s signing on their official website.

“Power Dynamos is delighted to unveil five new signings as part of our preparations for the 2025/26 MTN-sponsored Zambian Premier League (ZPL) season and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League,” read part of their statement.

“Among the latest additions is Moses Shumah, who topped the Kenyan Premier League scoring charts with 17 goals last season while at Kakamega Homeboyz. His arrival will significantly enhance our attacking options.

“Also joining the squad is Samuel Ayodeji Bamidele, a central defender from Nigeria’s Shooting Stars SC, alongside Innocent Kashita, an attacking midfielder from Nkwazi FC. Kashita finished as the runner-up for the Betway Player of the Season award, just missing out to Owen Tembo. His creativity and vision will be crucial for our midfield.”

The announcement continued: “Additionally, we are excited to welcome Daniel Adoko, a midfielder from NAPSA Stars, and Ronnel Manyanga, a right winger from Zambia who previously played in the Botswana Football League. Their experience and skills will bolster our squad depth.”

Power Dynamos, who play their home matches at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe, secured the Super League title after amassing 68 points from 34 games.

Homeboyz Confirm Shumah’s Move

Shumah is among the strikers named by the South African coach for the eighth edition of the tournament set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Other players announced 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 already completed his medical and been presented as a Dynamos player, but we are awaiting the completion of the agreed payment before he can be fully released. This is certainly a significant loss for McCarthy, as Shumah is a forward who can deliver goals.

“He possesses the skills to challenge defenders in one-on-one situations and isn’t afraid to penetrate the opponent’s area. His contributions were instrumental in helping us finish the season third on the table behind Kenya Police FC and Gor Mahia. His goals were vital for our performance, and he could have been a pivotal player for McCarthy during the CHAN tournament, but the transfer was out of our control, especially as the player was thrilled to sign.”

The Harambee Stars will conduct their Group A matches at Kasarani Stadium, where they are drawn alongside Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia. Their opening match will kick off at 15:00 local time against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Following their debut against DR Congo, Kenya’s next encounter will be against Angola on Tuesday, August 7th, followed by a clash against Morocco on Sunday, August 10th, and concluding their group games against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Sunday, August 17th.

This will be Kenya’s first appearance in the CHAN tournament. Their last participation came in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Egypt, where they exited during the group stage. However, this time, the Harambee Stars will be keen to make a strong impression, particularly as they compete on home soil.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 2 to August 30, 2025, promising an exciting showcase of local football talent throughout East Africa.