Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has unveiled his provisional squad for the upcoming AFCON U-20 CECAFA qualifiers, set to be held from October 6-20, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Coach Babu will be assisted by Anthony Akhulia, as the duo aims to guide the team to qualify for the continental tournament.
Kenya U20 breakdown
The two have previously worked together, having led Kenya U18 to a second-place finish at the CECAFA U18 Championship.
The squad features a strong contingent of players, including four from AFC Leopards: Sammy Saboke, Kelly Madada, Hassan Beja, and Nesta Olum.
Gor Mahia’s Mark Shaban also made the cut. Other notable call-ups include foreign-based players such as Amos Wanjala, Stanley Wilson, Elly Owande, Tyron Kariuki, Aldrine Kibet, Louise Ingavi, and Henry Omollo. Musingu School players Irad Mushidi, Houstin Oluoch, and Harrison Amalemba have also been included in the squad.
Kenya U20 has been placed in Group A for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U-20 CECAFA qualifiers. The team faces a challenging group that includes host nation Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti.
To secure a spot in the semi-finals and a chance to represent the CECAFA region at the AFCON U-20 tournament, Kenya will need to finish in the top two of their group.
Defending CECAFA champions Uganda, who won the 2022 edition in Khartoum, are placed in Group B alongside South Sudan, Burundi, and Ethiopia.
The matches will be held across three venues in Dar es Salaam: Azam Complex, KMC Stadium, and Major General Isamuhyo Stadium. The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the semi-finals, and the two finalists will secure a place at the AFCON U-20 tournament in 2025.
In addition to qualifying for AFCON U-20, the tournament serves as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, with the top four teams earning a spot at the global event in Chile.
CECAFA Competitions Director Nicholas Mossi expressed excitement about the high level of competition expected in Tanzania, emphasizing the importance of the tournament as an opportunity for young players to showcase their talents on an international stage.
The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations will be the 18th edition of the tournament, with teams from across Africa competing for continental glory. The host country for the final stage of the tournament will be announced on October 10, 2024, during the CAF General Assembly in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Kenya’s U20 squad will be focused on advancing to the semi-finals, with hopes of securing one of the coveted spots at AFCON U-20 and representing the CECAFA region.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz), Sammy Saboke (AFC Leopards), Benard Maeri (Ruiru Hot Stars), Joshua Keya (Kibera Black Stars), Peter Juma (Nakuru Bucks)
Defenders
Joseph Bate (MOFA), Amos Wanjala (Athletic Club Tollerano), Manzur Okwaro, Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Collins Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks), Rodgers Wasega (Nairobi City Stars), Francis Gethoi (Naivas), Mohammed Aden Kaire (Mombasa United), Meguel Osotsi (Highway Secondary School), Charles Auma (Sofapaka), Jackson Imbiakha (Mombasa United)
Midfielders
Stanley Wilson (A.I.K), Andres Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Elly Owande (Al Nasra), Kevin Wangaya (FC Tirana), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Lucas Maina (Murang’a Seal), Benard Odhiambo (Nairobi United), Wiliam Gitamu (Bandari), Hamisi Otieno (Goseta High School), Irad Mushidi (Musingu High School), Houstin Oluoch (Musingu High School),
Forwards
Tyron Kariuki, Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Soccer Academy), Louise Ingavi (Montverde Academy), Dalphene Omuri (Shabana), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Austine Odongo (Shabana), Jeremy Bisau (Cheshunt FC), Abdalla Egesa (Bidco United), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Syphas Otieno (MOFA), Isaac Oweri (Nairobi United/ Vasalund), Harrison Amalemba (Musingu High School), Linus Munyao (Riffa Sports Club), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Nesta Olum (AFC Leopards), Adrian Oloo (Nairobi United), Dancan Odhiambo (Nairobi United), Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks/ Highway Secondary School), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Lawrence Ouma (MOFA), Clinton Asiako (Bidco United), Henry Omollo (Fountain Gate), Izadin Mohammed (Bandari)
