The national U20 soccer team head coach Salim Babu has named the provisional 35-man squad ahead of the forthcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled April 27th-18th May in Cairo,Egypt.
The Rising Stars booked their ticket to the continental showpiece after finishing second to hosts Tanzania who beat them in the final.
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. Conspicously missing from the list is goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala who was crowned the goalkeeper of the tournament during last years CECAFA qualifiers as well rising talent and forward Aldrine Kibet.
Kenya is in pool C alongside 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 four semi-finalists will also qualify as the CAF representatives for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
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)
