Captain Wanjala joins Rising Stars as Kenya heads to Morocco for U-20 AFCON prep
Kenya’s U-20 national team, the Rising Stars, have been handed a major boost ahead of their 10-day training camp in Morocco with the arrival of captain Amos Wanjala. The Spain-based defender is expected to play a key leadership role as the team gears up for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The Rising Stars have received a timely boost ahead of their U-20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, with captain Amos Wanjala joining the squad ahead of their departure for a 10-day training camp in Morocco on Friday.
Wanjala, who plies his trade in Spain with AC Torrellano, linked up with the team on Wednesday evening and is expected to resume his role as captain. He previously wore the armband during the 2023 CECAFA U-18 Championships and the 2024 CECAFA U-20 Championships - both of which saw Kenya reach the final.
His experience and leadership are already being felt in camp, according to assistant coach Godfrey Oduor.“Having Amos Wanjala in the squad is good for the team's confidence and morale,” said Oduor. “His presence not only motivates the players but also the technical bench.”
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Head coach Salim Babu echoed the sentiment, highlighting Wanjala’s influence and the team’s readiness as they prepare to face some of the continent’s top youth sides.
“This is a well-rounded and strong squad,” Babu said. “We acknowledge that we’re in a highly competitive group, but we also understand that to become champions, you must be ready to face the best. Our focus is on thorough preparation to give ourselves the best chance of achieving positive results and progressing deep into the tournament.”
Kenya is drawn in Group B alongside record seven-time champions Nigeria, 1997 winners Morocco, and 1985 runners-up Tunisia. The Rising Stars will kick off their campaign against hosts Morocco on May 1, followed by fixtures against Tunisia on May 4 and Nigeria on May 7.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, alongside the two best third-placed teams. For ranking purposes, results against the fifth-placed team in Group A will not be considered when assessing third-placed teams.
Reaching the semi-finals would not only mark a historic achievement for Kenya but also secure a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled from September 27 to October 19.
“The boys have what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Oduor added. “We are not going just to participate - we are going to compete and make our mark.”
Rising Stars Final Squad for U-20 AFCON
Goalkeepers
Kevin Oduor, Wycliford Oduor, Benard Jairo
Defenders
Baron Ochieng, Humphrey Obino, Jackson Imbiakha, Joseph Bate, Manzur Okwaro, Amos Wanjala, Telena Ochieng, Collins Ochieng
Midfielders
Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian, Irad Mshindi, Humphrey Aroko, Aldrine Kibet, Kelly Madada, Hassan Beja, Ezekiel Omuri, Elly Owande, William Gitama, Javan Omondi, Andreas Odhiambo
Forwards
Lawrence Ouma, Oliver Machaka, Mark Shaban
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