Kenya’s U-20 national football team, the Rising Stars, is set to make its debut at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, with a final 25-man squad officially confirmed following an intensive training camp in Morocco.
Head coach Salim Babu has placed his faith predominantly in local-based players, with just a few foreign-based talents making the cut. Among the standout inclusions are midfield sensation Aldrine Kibet and defender Amos Wanjala, who headline the youthful squad that will be gunning for a historic appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The Rising Stars have been in camp for close to a month, undergoing tactical and physical preparations in North Africa. The goal is clear: to perform exceptionally in Egypt and secure one of the continental spots for the 2025 U-20 World Cup.
The selection process has been rigorous. Coach Babu initially named a 35-man provisional squad, which has now been narrowed down based on positional needs and player performance during the training camp. Unfortunately, this means some talented prospects have missed out.
Among the notable omissions are several foreign-based players including Luis Ingavi, who plies his trade at Saginaw Valley State in the United States, and Jeremy Bissau of Brooke House College in England. Zech Obiero, who is on the books of Leyton Orient in England, and Stanley Wilson from Swedish club AIK have also been left out.
From the local scene, promising players such as Henry Omollo (Kakamega Homeboyz), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Tyron Kariuki (KCB), and Gilbert Abala (Nairobi City Stars) have also been cut from the final list. Others who failed to make the team include Charles Junior (Sofapaka), Jackson Sane (Mombasa Elite), Rodgers Wasega (Nairobi City Stars), and Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks).
Despite the exclusions, the final squad features a solid mix of experience and emerging talent. In goal, the team will rely on Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United), Wyclifford Oduor (Bidco United), and Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks).
The defense is anchored by players such as Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal), Jackson Imbiakha (formerly of Mombasa Elite), and Amos Wanjala, who turns out for Spanish side Athletic Club Torrellano CF. Other defenders include Joseph Bate (MOFA FC), Manzu Okwaro (KCB), Telena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars), and Collins Ochieng (AC Horsens).
The midfield sees a dynamic group led by Aldrine Kibet of Nastic Academy. He is joined by Kevin Wangaya (currently unattached), Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars), Irad Mshindi (former Musingu Scorpions captain), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks), and Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards).
Up front, the attack boasts some exciting options, including Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Ezekieh Omuri (Shabana FC), and Elly Owande (Al-Nasr SC). William Gitama (Bandari), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Lawrence Ouma (MOFA FC), and Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz) complete the forward line.
The Rising Stars qualified for the tournament after finishing as runners-up in the CECAFA U-20 Championship, narrowly losing 2-1 to Tanzania. Their performance in that tournament provided a glimpse of the potential within this young side, and the upcoming AFCON now offers them a chance to stake their claim on the continental stage.
As the team prepares to jet out for Egypt, optimism is high that this group of promising youngsters can not only compete but also qualify for their first ever FIFA U-20 World Cup.
