Kenya under 20 boys in camp ahead of AFCON

The Kenya Under 20 boys team is confident of making a solid impression at the Under 20 Africa Cup of Nations to be held April in Egypt.

Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu over the weekend unveiled a 35-man provisional squad for the competition that is set to kick off on April 27, 2025.

The Rising Stars booked their ticket to the continental showpiece after finishing behind Tanzania at the 2024 CECAFA U20 Qualifiers.

The announcement of the squad 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.

"Our squad is in camp. We have a talented group that we will work with and so far so good," he told Radio Generation Sport.

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

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

The squad has entered into a residential training camp in Nairobi. There are plans to take part in several build-up matches ahead of the tournament.

Radio Generation will cover the team's exploits over the coming weeks.

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)