Kenya U20 squad trimmed ahead of AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers

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Kenya U20 squad trimmed ahead of AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers

Thursday 03rd October, 2024 06:45 PM| By Amanga Collins

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Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has named the final squad for the AFCON U20 CECAFA Qualifiers, which will be held in Dar es Salaam from October 6-20, 2024.

The squad selection follows a rigorous training camp, thorough assessments, and a series of build-up matches.

Kenya U20 promotion

Eleven players who featured in the 2023 CECAFA U18 Boys Championship made the cut, including standout names like Amos Wanjala, Tyron Kariuki, Aldrine Kibet, and Ibrahim Wanzala.

Kenya U20 in a training session. PHOTO/(@Harambee__Stars)/X

Additionally, Hassan Beja and William Gitamu secured their spots after impressive performances in the 2024 COSAFA tournament.

The squad also welcomes fresh faces making their national team debuts, such as Kelly Madada, Lawrence Okoth, Jackson Imbiakha, Phabian Sheldon, and Rodgers Obusu.

Kenya U20 has been drawn into Group A for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 CECAFA qualifiers, where they face stiff competition against hosts Tanzania, as well as Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti. To advance to the semi-finals and secure a place at the AFCON U20 tournament, Kenya must finish in the top two of their group.

Meanwhile, defending CECAFA champions Uganda, who won the 2022 edition in Khartoum, are placed in Group B alongside South Sudan, Burundi, and Ethiopia.

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 progress to the semi-finals, and the finalists will secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON U20 tournament.

In addition to the AFCON qualification, this tournament doubles as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, with the top four teams earning a place at the global event in Chile.

CECAFA Competitions Director Nicholas Mossi expressed excitement about the level of competition expected in Tanzania, highlighting the tournament as a critical platform for young players to showcase their talents on the international stage.

Kenya U20 players during a friendly match against Tusker junior ahead of Four-Nations tourney. PHOTO/Tusker FC

The 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations will be the 18th edition of the tournament, with teams from across Africa competing for the title. The host country for the final tournament will be announced during the CAF General Assembly on October 10, 2024, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.