Kenya U20 Head Coach Salim Babu Unveils 35-Man Provisional Squad for TotalEnergies U20 AFCON
Kenya U20 head coach, Salim Babu, has announced a provisional squad of 35 players for the upcoming TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Egypt from April 27, 2025.
The Rising Stars secured their place in the prestigious continental tournament after a strong performance in the 2024 CECAFA U20 Qualifiers, where they finished as runners-up, narrowly losing to Tanzania in the final.
Following a series of trials and scouting camps, Coach Babu and his technical team have now selected a well-balanced squad, combining both local and foreign-based players, from an initially larger pool of candidates.
Key Returnees in the Squad
Several players who featured prominently in the 2024 CECAFA U20 Qualifiers have made a return to the squad. These include team captain Amos Wanjala, Manzur Okwaro, Baron Ochieng, Aldrine Kibet, Tyron Kariuki, Kelly Madada, Andreas Odhiambo, Kevin Wangaya, Hassan Beja, Ezekiel Omuri, William Gitamu, and Luis Ingavi.
Kenya Drawn in Group C of U20 AFCON
In the group stage draw, Kenya has been placed in Group C, where they will face the defending champions Senegal, as well as Zambia and Sierra Leone.
The Rising Stars will begin their campaign on May 1, 2025, against Sierra Leone, followed by a match with Zambia on May 4, and they will conclude the group stage with a challenging encounter against Senegal on May 7, 2025.
The team has already entered a residential training camp in Nairobi, with plans to play several friendly matches before heading to Egypt for the tournament.
Kenya U20 Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Benard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks)
Wycliford Oduor (Bidco United)
Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United)
Defenders
Manzur Okwaro (KCB)
Joseph Bate (MOFA)
Jackson Sane (Mombasa Elite)
Amos Wanjala (Athletic Club Torrellano—Spain)
Charles Junior (Sofapaka)
Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka)
Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal)
Telena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars)
Rodgers Wasega (Nairobi City Stars)
Midfielders
Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks)
Stanley Wilson (AIK—Sweden)
Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient—England)
Kevin Wangaya
Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars)
Irad Mshindi (KCB)
Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards)
Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia)
Aldrine Kibet (Nastic—Spain)
Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks)
Gilbert Abala (Nairobi City Stars)
Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards)
Tyron Kariuki (KCB)
William Gitamu (Bandari)
Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars)
Elly Owande (Al Nasr—UAE)
Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)
Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College—Leicester, England)
Forwards
Lawrence Ouma (MOFA)
Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Henry Omollo (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Luis Ingavi (Saginaw Valley State—USA)
Kenya is aiming to make a significant impact in this tournament, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time in its history. With a talented and determined squad, the Rising Stars are ready to take on the challenge and showcase their skills on the continental stage.
