Rising Stars Head Coach Salim Babu Confirms Final Squad for U20 AFCON in Egypt

Rising Stars training. IMAGE/FKF

Rising Stars Head Coach Salim Babu Confirms Final Squad for U20 AFCON in Egypt

Festus Chuma 19:54 - 16.04.2025

Salim Babu has unveiled Kenya's final U20 AFCON squad as the Rising Stars prepare for a challenging tournament in Egypt.

Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu has confirmed the final 26-man squad that will represent Kenya at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place from April 27 to May 18 in Egypt.

The Rising Stars booked their ticket to the continental showpiece after a strong run through the CECAFA qualifiers.

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The list has no changes from what was leaked to the media on Sunday night.

Kenya has been drawn into a tough Group B, where they will face Morocco, Tunisia and Nigeria.

“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,” said Coach Babu.

“Our focus is on thorough preparation to give ourselves the best chance of achieving positive results and progressing deep into the tournament.”

Rising Stars will leave for a 10-day training camp in Morocco on Friday, April 18 that is expected to help fine-tune the team’s tactics and build strong cohesion ahead of their opening match against Nigeria.

Kenya will kick off their campaign on May 1 against Nigeria then they face Tunisia on May 4 before wrapping up their group stage matches with a clash against Morocco on May 7.

“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,” Babu added.

“We are not going just to participate, we are going to compete and make our mark.”

The squad includes three goalkeepers that is Kevin Oduor, Wycliford Oduor and Benard Jairo.

The defensive unit is stacked with the likes of Baron Ochieng, Jackson Imbiakha, and Amos Wanjala and the midfield features the likes of Aldrine Kibet, Emilio Brian, and Irad Mshindi. Up front, Mark Shaban, Oliver Machaka, and Lawrence Ouma will lead the attack.

The four semi-finalists from the tournament will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Final 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

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