Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has unveiled a 35-man provisional squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to kick off on April 27, 2025, in Egypt.

The Rising Stars booked their ticket to the continental showpiece after a strong showing at the 2024 CECAFA U20 Qualifiers, where they finished second, narrowly losing the final to Tanzania.

The squad announcement follows a series of mini-camps aimed at scouting the best young talent from across the country. From an initial large pool, Babu and his technical bench have now narrowed the list to a balanced mix of local and foreign-based players.

Among the notable returnees from last year’s CECAFA Qualifiers squad are 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.

Drawn in Group C, Kenya will face a stern test against defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone.

Rising Stars will start off the tournament against Sierra Leone on May 1, 2025, followed by Zambia on May 4th while rounding off the group stage with Senegal on May 7th.

The squad has entered into a residential training camp in Nairobi, with plans to engage in several build-up matches ahead of the tournament.

 

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), 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), Ezekiel Omuri (Shabana), 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)

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