The Football Kenya Federation has named a 25-man squad to represent the country at the upcoming U-20 African Cup of Nations to be held in Egypt this month.
The Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place in Egypt starting April 27, with the final set for 18 May 2025.
It was initially set to be hosted in the Ivory Coast, but that situation changed after the Ivorians pulled out at the last minute.
The under-20 team, christened the Rising Stars, have been in residential training for the past four weeks in Nairobi after securing their spot in the tournament during the CECAFA qualifiers, where they reached the final.
They narrowly lost 2-1 to hosts Tanzania, but as per the rules, both teams progressed to the AFCON finals.
They were named in a tough Group B of the tournament Sunday evening, where they will take on Tunisia, Nigeria, and Morocco.
Head coach Salim Babu believes that his side has what it takes to make an impression at the tournament.
"Our goal is to reach the World Cup, and to do that, we must make it to the semifinals. I believe we have the quality to get there, and we’re fully committed to achieving that dream," Babu told Radio Generation Sport.
The team will depart for Morocco on Wednesday, where they will hold a 10-day training camp before heading to Egypt to take on their African peers.
Full Kenya Under-20 squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers: Kevin Oduor, Wyclifford Oduor, Bernard Jairo
Defenders: Baron Ochieng, Humphrey Obina, Jackson Imbiakha, Joseph Bate, Manzu Okwaro, Amos Wanjala, Talena Ochieng and Collins Ochieng
Midfielders: Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian, Irad Mshindi, Mark Shaban, Humphrey Aroko, Aldrine Kibet, and Kelly Madada
Attackers: Hassan Beja, Ezekieh Omuri, Elly Owande, William Gitama, Javan Omondi, Lawrence Ouma, and Oliver Machaka