A couple of Mathare United players are set to link up with the Kenya U20 side preparing for the 2025 AFCON games.

The club on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, confirmed Starlon Odhiambo and Alex Warai as the two players headed for national team duty from the SlumBoys fold.

“Mathare United is delighted to confirm that Starlon Odhiambo and Alex Warai have received call-ups to the Kenya U20 team that is currently preparing for the 2025 AFCON tourney for that age group, slated to commence next month,” the club’s statement read in parts.

The pair is set to join up with fellow players of the age group in the Salim Babu-coached side.

Profiles

Odhiambo, who predominantly features as a left back, joined United from NSL rivals, Kibera Black Stars midway through the 2023 season.

The defender who dons the No.  21 jersey is the son of a Mathare United legend turned coach, Noah Abich.

He has in past opened up on getting his football inspiration from his dad whom he used to accompany to premier league games when young.

On his part, Warai is a new entrant in John Kamau’s team.  The youngster joined from semi-pro team New Mathare.

A Mysa graduate, Warai started his football journey playing through the age ranks in the Mysa football structure and, in 2017, was selected to represent the organisation at the famed Norway Cup, according to the details on the club’s portal.

The 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Côte d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18, 2025.

Kenya U20 in AFCON

The Rising Stars got drawn against Senegal, Zambia and Sierra Leone in a modest-looking Group C in the draw conducted on conducted on February, 13, 2025, in Cairo, Egypt.

The junior team managed to reach the continental finals after reaching the final of the CECAFA regional qualifiers that was held in Tanzania in 2024.

Kenya is among 13 teams that will compete in the 2025 edition.

The top four nations to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup that will be staged in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.

This year’s edition will be a maiden appearance for the Rising Stars.