Kenya U20 Head Coach Salim Babu names provisional squad for AFCON

Rising Stars in training. (Photo: FKF Media)

By Rama Mohammed
Friday, March 28, 2025

Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has named a 35-man provisional squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to begin on April 27, 2025, in Egypt. The Rising Stars, drawn in Group C, will face defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone as they aim to make an impact on the continental stage.

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

The Rising Stars secured their place in the continental tournament after finishing as runners-up in the 2024 CECAFA U20 Qualifiers, where they narrowly lost to Tanzania in the final.

Babu's squad selection follows a series of training camps aimed at scouting top young talent from across the country. The final list features a blend of local and foreign-based players, including several key returnees from the CECAFA Qualifiers squad. Notable names include captain Amos Wanjala, Manzur Okwaro, Baron Ochieng, Aldrine Kibet, Tyron Kariuki, Kelly Madada, and Andreas Odhiambo.

More To Read

Kenya has been drawn in Group C, where they will face defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone. The Rising Stars will begin their campaign against Sierra Leone on May 1, followed by Zambia on May 4, before concluding the group stage against Senegal on May 7.

The team has now entered a residential training camp in Nairobi, with friendly matches lined up in preparation for 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)

Kenya will be aiming to make a strong impression in Egypt as they seek to advance past the group stage and challenge for continental glory.