Kenya’s U20 national team Head Coach, Salim Babu, has officially unveiled the final 26-man Rising Stars squad set to compete at the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. The continental youth championship is scheduled for April 27 to May 18, 2025.
The Rising Stars booked their place in the prestigious tournament after a successful campaign in the CECAFA regional qualifiers in Arusha, Tanzania, last year. They now prepare to face Africa’s elite youth teams in the battle for continental glory.
Kenya has been drawn into a challenging Group B, facing formidable opponents in Morocco, Tunisia, and powerhouse Nigeria. Despite the tough draw, Coach Babu remains optimistic about his team’s prospects.
“We acknowledge we’re in a highly competitive group, but we understand that to become champions, you must be ready to face the best,” Babu stated. He highlighted the team’s commitment to “thorough preparation to give ourselves the best chance of achieving positive results and progressing deep into the tournament.”
As part of their final preparations, the Rising Stars will depart for Morocco this Friday for a crucial 10-day training camp before proceeding to Egypt. Their tournament campaign kicks off against record champions Nigeria on May 1, followed by vital clashes against Morocco on May 4 and Tunisia on May 7.
The tournament format will see 13 nations vying for the title. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals.
Babu expressed strong confidence in his selected players: “This is a well-rounded and strong squad. I believe the boys have what it takes to compete at the highest level and provide great competition at the U20 AFCON. We are not going just to participate; we are going to compete and make our mark.”
Notably, the final squad consists entirely of locally-based talent. Foreign-based players who had previously trained with the team, including Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient), Jeremy Bisau, and Ruben Grewal, did not make the final selection.
Adding extra significance to the competition, the four semi-finalists will earn qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup to be held in Chile.
Rising Stars Final U20 AFCON Squad:
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
With their final preparations underway, the Rising Stars aim to make a significant impact at the U20 AFCON and secure a coveted spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
