The postponement of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to August may result in Harambee Stars losing some players who might move abroad before the tournament kicks off.The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced yet another postponement of the 2024 CHAN on Tuesday, 14 January 2024, shifting the tournament from February to August 2025.##NAJAVA_MECA_8640797##This postponement came as a relief, especially for Kenya, where construction was still ongoing at Kasarani Stadium, the country’s main sporting facility, as well as at Kasarani Annex and Police Sacco Stadium.Additionally, the national team, Harambee Stars, was not ready for the tournament, with no confirmed starting eleven and, most importantly, no substantive technical bench. The decision to push the tournament to August therefore gives the country ample time to adequately prepare on all fronts.However, the new date could pose a challenge for Harambee Stars’ preparations, as some players may transfer to clubs outside the country after the FKF Premier League season concludes in June.Mozzart Sport examines some of the players who may miss the tournament if they make international transfers.AFC Leopards suffer first ever loss to FC Talanta who end 3-game losing streakRooney OnyangoThe Gor Mahia defender is undoubtedly one of the best in the country and would likely be among the first names on the Harambee Stars CHAN squad.The former Wazito FC star has been a subject of transfer speculation throughout the season, currently caught in a transfer saga between Gor Mahia and Singida United.Onyango is believed to have rejected a move to the Tanzanian side, preferring instead a move to Europe, where he is rumored to be heading.With Onyango’s contract at K’Ogalo ending this season, he may miss CHAN if he moves abroad.Soweto Derby pitting Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates sold out two weeks to gameDaniel SakariLike his fellow right-back Onyango, Sakari is also a target for several clubs outside the country, with indications pointing to an international move at the end of the season.The 25-year-old was the preferred right-back under interim head coach Francis Kimanzi in the recently concluded Mapinduzi Cup and is a strong candidate for the CHAN squad.The Kenya Police player might miss the continental tournament if he moves abroad before the tournament.James KinyanjuiThe speedy KCB winger was one of the standout performers in the Mapinduzi Cup squad and is undoubtedly one of the best wingers in the local league.Kinyanjui has been impressive for his club this season, forming a formidable partnership upfront with striker Francis Kahiro, with whom he also played at Bandari. He is one of the players who could make an international move before the tournament.Sweet victory for Mara Sugar as Homeboyz deepen Bidco’s woesAustin OdhiamboThe reigning FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP) is arguably the best player in the local league at the moment.Odhiambo was expected to move to Belgian side KAA Gent, but the deal fell through, forcing the Amira High School alumnus to remain at Gor Mahia.Odhiambo is, therefore, a top candidate for a move abroad at the end of the season, and Harambee Stars might have to compete without him if the move happens before August.Alphonce OmijaOmija is almost a sure starter at the heart of the Harambee Stars defense for CHAN if available. His partnership at Gor Mahia with Sylvester Owino was also preferred by Kimanzi at the national team.The 22-year-old joined K’Ogalo at the start of the season from Omani club Dhofar and may return abroad at the end of the current campaign, making him another likely candidate to miss CHAN.Kakamega Homeboyz youngster leaves club to chase American dreamRyan OgamRed-hot Ogam would be the most preferred starter upfront for any coach in the Kenyan CHAN squad.The Tusker FC striker has been in fine form this season and is currently the league’s top scorer with 11 goals.Harambee Stars assistant coach John Kamau singled out the 19-year-old, alongside Kakamega Homeboyz’s Moses Shumah, as one of the best strikers in the country.With age on his side, Ogam has undoubtedly attracted attention from international clubs and may miss the tournament if he moves abroad before August.Gor Mahia issue injury update on influential duo ahead of Tusker clashSylvester OwinoOwino has grown in confidence and stature at Harambee Stars over the last year, often being preferred alongside Joseph Okumu even when international players are available.The Gor Mahia defender is a dependable member of the team and is most likely a sure starter.At 23, Owino already has international suitors and is expected to leave the 21-time league champions at the end of the season. If the move happens before August, he will miss the 2024 CHAN.With CHAN providing a lifetime opportunity for many players to showcase their talents, these players and others considering international moves are likely to delay their transfers until after the tournament.Tusker seek first league win over Gor Mahia since April 2022 as KCB eye return to summit
