How 2023 CECAFA U18 success shapes Kenya’s U20 squad

The squad that featured and excelled in the 2023 CECAFA U18 has dominated the Kenya U20 team headed for the Four-Nation tournament in Malawi.

The tournament will take place between March 18 and 24, and its main aim is to help the team expected to represent Kenya in the 2024 AFCON U20 qualifiers gel even better.

Aldrine Kibet, who was the top scorer in the CECAFA U18 outing last year, is a notable inclusion alongside Ibrahim Wanzala, who emerged as the best goalkeeper then.

Amos Wanjala, Baron Ochieng, Louis Ingavi, Tyron Kariuki, and Syphas Otieno have also been included in the squad named by Salim Babu. The Police head coach is set to lead the junior side in the tournament set to take place in Malawi.

Football Kenya Federation Premier League sides also contributed players to the squad: Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz), Junior Odhiambo (Migori Youth), Joshua Keya (Rainbow), Kevin Alloys (Mathare United), Issa Emuria (Ulinzi Stars).

Mark Shaban and Paul Ochuoga from Gor Mahia, and Francis Kamau and Brian Mboya from Bidco United have also been included.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz), Junior Odhiambo (Migori Youth), Joshua Keya (Rainbow), Kevin Alloys (Mathare United), Issa Emuria (Ulinzi Stars).

Defenders: Nesta Olum (AFC Leopards), Sigmun Maina (Kariobangi Sharks), Junior Masinza (Kakamega Homeboyz), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Francis Kamau (Bidco United), Fidel Otieno (Mathare United), Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia), Faiz Opande (Elite Falcon, Dubai), Daniel Odhiambo (Mombasa Elite), Joseph Bate (MOFA), Grant Odiero (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy), Mansur Okwaro (Unattached), Collins Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks).

Midfielders: Linus Munyao (Rainbow), Hamisi Otieno (Homabay), Lucas Maina (Ulinzi Stars), Benard Ouma (Nairobi United FC), Ryan Wesley (Rainbow), Zechariah Obiero (Leyton Onorient FC), Stanley Wilson (AIK, Sweden), Kevin Wangaya (Apollonia FC, Albania), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Brian Kamau (Rainbow), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports Academy), Elly Owade (Migori Youth), Andreas Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks).

Forwards: Delphine Omuri (Shabana), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Brian Mboya (Bidco United), Adrian Oloo (Nairobi United), Umar Rajab (Apollonia FC, Albania), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), James Gachago (St Andrew’s United), Clinton Asiago (Bidco United), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Louis Ingavi (Montvarde Academy, USA), Syphas Otieno (MOFA), Tyron Kariuki (Rainbow), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Christopher Koloti (AFC Leopards).