Coach Salim Babu has unveiled his provisional squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 CECAFA qualifiers scheduled to take place from October 6-20 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Highly rated Gor Mahia forward Mark Shaban has been included in the squad that also has former Kariobangi Sharks man Stanley Wilson who recently made an over 20 million move to Swedish outfit AIK.
Spanish-based Amos Wanjala, who was the U18 captain, and Elly Owande, who recently completed his move to United Arab Emirates side Al Nasr, have also been included in the squad.
Other notable figures include Aldrine Kibet, Tyron Kariuki who both dazzled for Kenya during the U18 CECAFA last year.
Mark Shaban
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Also in the team are students who impressed in the school games including Humphrey Aroko and Meguel Osotsi of Highway Secondary School, the trio of Iran Mushindi, Houstin Oluoch and Harrison Amalemba from Musingu High, Hamisi Oteno of Goseta and Austine Odongo of Ebwali Secondary.
The team will enter a residential training camp in Nairobi starting September 22 before departing for Tanzania on October 4.
Coach Babu will be supported by assistant coach Anthony Akhulia as they aim to secure qualification for the continental tournament.
Kenya has been drawn into Group A alongside host nation Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti.
Uganda, who won the trophy in 2022, are in Group B alongside South Sudan, Burundi and Ethiopia.
The Zonal qualifiers will be played in three venues; Azam Complex, KMC Stadium and the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium all in Dar es Salaam.
The best two teams in each group will automatically qualify for the semi-finals. The finalists will qualify to represent CECAFA at the AFCON U-20 to take place next year.
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Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz), Sammy Saboke (AFC Leopards), Benard Maeri (Ruiru Hot Stars), Joshua Keya (Kibera Black Stars), Peter Juma (Nakuru Bucks)
Defenders
Joseph Bate (MOFA), Amos Wanjala (Athletic Club Tollerano), Manzur Okwaro, Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Collins Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks), Rodgers Wasega (Nairobi City Stars), Francis Gethoi (Naivas), Mohammed Aden Kaire (Mombasa United), Meguel Osotsi (Highway Secondary School), Charles Auma (Sofapaka), Jackson Imbiakha (Mombasa United)
Midfielders
Stanley Wilson (A.I.K), Andres Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Elly Owande (Al Nasr), Kevin Wangaya (FC Tirana), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Lucas Maina (Murang’a Seal), Benard Odhiambo (Nairobi United), Wiliam Gitamu (Bandari), Hamisi Otieno (Goseta High School), Irad Mushidi (Musingu High School), Houstin Oluoch (Musingu High School),
Forwards
Tyron Kariuki, Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Soccer Academy), Louise Ingavi (Montverde Academy), Dalphene Omuri (Shabana), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Austine Odongo (Shabana), Jeremy Bisau (Cheshunt FC), Abdalla Egesa (Bidco United), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Syphas Otieno (MOFA), Isaac Oweri (Nairobi United/ Vasalund), Harrison Amalemba (Musingu High School), Linus Munyao (Riffa Sports Club), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Nesta Olum (AFC Leopards), Adrian Oloo (Nairobi United), Dancan Odhiambo (Nairobi United), Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks/ Highway Secondary School), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Lawrence Ouma (MOFA), Clinton Asiako (Bidco United), Henry Omollo (Fountain Gate), Izadin Mohammed (Bandari)
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