- The Rising Stars team features a mix of experienced players and fresh talent for the upcoming U20 AFCON 2025 tournament in Egypt.
- As part of their final preparations, the team will depart for Morocco on Friday, April 18, for a 10-day intensive training camp.
- The Rising Stars have been drawn into a challenging Group B alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu has named his final 26-man squad for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Egypt from April 27 to May 18, 2025.
Having secured their spot through the CECAFA qualifiers, Kenya’s Rising Stars are now preparing to compete among Africa’s finest youth teams.
Moreover, they have been in peak form since discovering their new opponents in the prestigious tournament, having been drawn into a challenging Group B alongside reigning champions Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco another continental powerhouse.
Coach Babu’s squad largely retains the core of players who achieved the historic milestone of qualifying for the U20 AFCON for the first time.
The team will be led by defender Amos Wanjala as captain, with Sofapaka right-back Baron Ochieng serving as his deputy.
Other familiar faces from the qualifying campaign include Kevin Wangaya, Manzur Suleiman, William Gitamu, Hassan Beja, Andreas Odhiambo, Lawrence Ouma, and Aldrine Kibet.
Between the posts, however, the technical bench has opted for a completely fresh lineup with Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Wycliford Oduor (Bidco United), and Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United) earning their first call-ups.
Notable additions to the squad include AFC Leopards midfielder Kelly Madada, Humphrey Aroko of Kariobangi Sharks, rising Ulinzi Stars playmaker Javan Omondi, and Oliver Machaka from Kakamega Homeboyz.
Reacting to the group stage draw, Coach Babu remained optimistic despite acknowledging the tough task ahead.
“We acknowledge that we’re in a highly competitive group, but we also understand that to become champions, you must be ready to face the best,” said Coach Babu.
“Our focus is on thorough preparation to give ourselves the best chance of achieving positive results and progressing deep into the tournament.”
ALSO READ: Kenya U20 make history after booking maiden U20 AFCON ticket
He also expressed full faith in his squad’s talent and mental strength heading into the tournament.
“This is a well-rounded and strong squad. I believe the boys have what it takes to compete at the highest level and provide great competition at the U20 AFCON. We are not going just to participate, we are going to compete and make our mark,” he added.
Kenya’s campaign will kick off with a stern test against Nigeria, followed by a clash with Tunisia, and wrapping up the group stage against Morocco.
As part of their final preparations, the team will depart for Morocco on Friday, April 18, for a 10-day intensive training camp.
They will then head to Egypt, joining 13 other nations in pursuit of continental glory.
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed finishers, will advance to the quarter-finals. The tournament will culminate on May 18, 2025.
ALSO READ: Chipu names 28-man squad for U20 Barthés Trophy title defense in Zimbabwe
Rising Stars Fixtures – U20 AFCON 2025
- May 1: Nigeria vs Kenya
- May 4: Kenya vs Tunisia
- May 7: Morocco vs Kenya
Final Squad – Kenya U20
Goalkeepers
Kevin Oduor, Wycliford Oduor, Bernard Jairo
Defenders
Baron Ochieng, Humphrey Obino, Jackson Imbiakha, Joseph Bate, Manzur Okwaro, Amos Wanjala, Telena Ochieng, Collins Ochieng
Midfielders
Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian, Irad Mshindi, Humphrey Aroko, Aldrine Kibet, Kelly Madada, Hassan Beja, Ezekiel Omuri, Elly Owande, William Gitamu, Javan Omondi, Andreas Odhiambo
Forwards
Lawrence Ouma, Oliver Machaka, Mark Shaban
ALSO READ: Nairobi United goalkeeper reflects on FKF Cup quarterfinal clincher against KCB