Kenya U18 side land international friendlies against Norway, Spain in March
By Dennis Mabuka, January 12, 2024
Kenya U18 national team have landed an invite to play in two high-profile international friendly matches during the next FIFA international break in March.
People Sports can exclusively confirm that the Junior Stars under head coach Salim Babu and assistant Anthony Akhulia, will play Norway national U18 team before proceeding to Sweden where they will face their U18 outfits that comprise of selected players featuring in the major European leagues.
A top Football Kenya Federation (FKF) official, who did not want to be named, confirmed the invitation for the two matches adding it will be a good exposure for the young side as they continue to put more emphasis on the team.
“The Kenya U18 team will be busy during the March international break as they have landed top friendly matches against their counterparts in Norway and Sweden, they will first head to Norway before proceeding to Sweden,” explained the source.
The two build up matches come just a month after the Babu-led side performed exemplary well in the U18 CECAFA Boys Championship held in Kenya where they reached the final but lost 2-1 to neighbours Uganda in extra time. During the tournament, the team stormed the final without losing a match, topping their Group A with a maximum nine points.
Goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala and Aldrine Kibet stood out during the tournament and received individual accolades for their exceptional performances. Wanzala was honored with the Golden glove award, while Kibet secured the Golden Boot award by netting three goals throughout the championship.
The visit to play Norway and Sweden will be a good experience for the Junior Stars, with most of the players in the two nations already turning out for their respective senior national teams. Arsenal midfielder and captain Martin Odegaard is a good example, having played for the Norway U18 and the senior team.