Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has broken his silence following striker Emmanuel Osoro’s surprise withdrawal from Kenya’s squad for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), saying he did not attempt to stop the player from leaving.
Osoro, fresh off a stellar 16-goal season with FC Talanta, had been named in McCarthy’s provisional squad for the home-based tournament.
However, on Tuesday, the forward completed a move to Zambian champions Power Dynamos, disqualifying him from CHAN eligibility, which is strictly for players competing in their domestic leagues.
“I didn’t speak to Osoro. If a player and a club decide what’s best for his future, I can’t stand in the way,” McCarthy said during Wednesday’s press briefing. “I don’t need to convince anybody. Representing your country is a huge honor — that should be enough.”
Osoro’s departure is a second major blow to McCarthy’s attack, coming after Moses Shumah, formerly of Kakamega Homeboyz, also joined Power Dynamos earlier this month.
“He [Osoro] was a key figure for us,” McCarthy admitted. “In Morocco, he was outstanding. It’s tough to lose him just before CHAN, but we move on.”
McCarthy stressed that despite the losses, the team remains focused. “We will soldier on. And what we do in CHAN might even show them if their decision was right.”
Kenya is preparing to host CHAN next month, with final squad selections and tactical preparations now under pressure following the unexpected exits of two top scorers.
