A total of 57 Rising Stars from the Kenya U20 men’s national team kicked off a three-day scouting minicamp on Monday, February 24 as part of their preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 tournament which is scheduled to take place from 26 April to 18 May 2025 in Ivory Coast.
The initial phase of this camp is focused on identifying emerging talent, primarily from Nairobi and its surrounding regions.
Under the guidance of head coach Salim Babu, the technical bench aims to fortify the squad ahead of the continental competition, while also offering these young players the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and vie for a spot in the final squad.
With a competitive AFCON U20 tournament on the horizon, this camp plays a pivotal role in assembling a formidable team.
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A second camp will follow from Monday, March 3 to Wednesday, March 5, 2025, continuing the talent identification process across various regions.
The prestigious continental tournament will feature 13 nations battling for a place in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for September 27 to October 19, 2025.
Kenya’s debut appearance places them in Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, Zambia and Sierra Leone, also debutants in the tournament.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.
The competition will then proceed in a knockout format, culminating in the final on May 18, 2025.
Furthermore, the four semi-finalists will secure their spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, continuing Africa’s proud tradition of excellence on the global stage.
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Rising Stars Preliminary Squad
Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Humphrey Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks), Tony Goga (Kariobangi Sharks), Jacob Otieno (Kariobangi Sharks), Razel Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks), Andres Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Price Musebe (Kariobangi Sharks), Fidel Odhiambo (Mathare United)
Stalone Odhiambo (Mathare United), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Samuel Guto (AFC Leopards), Gilbert Abala (Nairobi City Stars), Rogers Obusu (Nairobi City Stars), Eugene Ikutwa (Bidco United), Victor Kunyili (Bidco United), Alex Kipruto (FC Talanta), Robert Mutie (FC Talanta), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Meshack Nyabinge (Sofapaka), Jack Onganya (Sofapaka), Derrick Khaemba (Sofapaka), Miguel Osotsi (FC Talanta), Charles Junior (Sofapaka), Sydney Otieno (Kibra United), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Wayne Dalvin (Sofapaka), Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United), Brian Sifa (Nairobi United), Hakim Chumbe (Nairobi United), Bernard Ouma (Nairobi United), Adrian Oloo (Nairobi United), Isaac Omweri (Nairobi United), Duncan Omala (Nairobi United), Joshua Keya (Kibera Blackstars), Randy Nagide (Water Works), Jennings Odhiambo (Water Works), Humphrey Onyango (Kariobangi Legends), Robby Mangi (Kariobangi Legends), Adrian Origi (Bongonaya), Wycliff Oduor (Naivas), Telana Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars)Brian Emillio (Ulinzi Stars)Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars)
Joseph Omuse (Ulinzi Stars), Lucas Maina (Murang’a Seal), Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal), Tyrone Kariuki (KCB FC), Manzur Okwaro (KCB FC), Irad Mushindi (KCB FC), William Gitama (Bandari), Izzadin Mohammed (Bandari), Delphine Omuri (Shabana), Austin Odongo (Shabana), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Kevin Wangaya