Harambee Stars safely in Morocco for Chad friendly tests

National team Harambee Stars landed safely in Morocco Wednesday evening and have settled in their camp ahead of twin friendly fixtures versus Chad.

The Stars left for North Africa on Wednesday with a 30-man contingent, including players and staff led by coach Benni McCarthy.

Kenya is set to face Chad in back-to-back friendlies on Saturday, 7 June, and Tuesday, 10 June, in Marrakesh, Morocco as they prepare for the upcoming African Nations Championships CHAN tournament to be hosted.

"Safely in Morocco," the Stars communication team posted on Thursday morning.

The friendlies in Morocco are part of a working arrangement between the Football Kenya Federation and the Moroccan Football Authorities that aim to build and boost football techniques and facilities in the country.

The Stars will miss out on Mohammed Bajaber and Victor Wanyama in midfield in Morocco.

The two are unavailable due to injury and personal reasons, respectively.

"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," Harambee Stars said in a statement.

There will be no replacement for Bajaber in the squad, which is heavy on locally based players who are preparing for Kenya's assignment in August at the African Nations Championships CHAN to be held from August 2, 2025.

Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro will lead the line for the Stars against their opponents as they size up their options ahead of CHAN.

Harambee Stars travelling squad to Morocco

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