Kenya U20 National team coach Salim Babu has admitted to experiencing a selection headache in settling for the team to represent the nation in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 games.

The Rising Stars bolstered their preparations for the crucial continental games to be hosted in Egypt with Babu admitting to the levels of competitiveness in the squad.

“It is a tough task to select from a huge group of more than 30 players. We have many players who are all equally good. But we are confident to settle on a capable side which Kenyans and everyone will be proud of as our squad to do duty in AFCON,” he said.

Babu revealed his provisional 35-man squad on Friday, March 28, which is will be reduced to a 23-man squad for the task.

The contingent that included a blend of foreign based and local players who are make their case for a place in the coach’s final squad.

Leyton Orient’s Zech Obiero, Ruben Grewal, a UK based player with Workington AFC are among the new Europe-based youngsters who have joined the team in recent days, adding up to the coach’s selection troubles.

Meanwhile, Wanjala, Aldrine Kibet, and Stanley Wilson are scheduled to join the team soon.

As part of their preparations, Rising Stars has been engaged in a couple of friendlies.

The first test match was against KPL side Ulinzi on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Goals Lawrence Ouma, brace, along with Oliver Majak and Jeremy Bisau’s contributions inspired a 4-0 victory against the Soldiers.

Their second friendly saw the team settle for a one-all draw against Kariobangi Sharks on Thursday, April 3. 2025.

Kenya is pooled in Group C and will face Senegal, the defending champions, Zambia, and Sierra Leone.

Their tournament-opening game will see them clash with Sierra Leone on May 1, then play Zambia four days later on May 4.

Kenya will conclude their group-stage engagement against reigning champions Senegal on May 7.