Kenya U20 is set to commence training today at the Kasarani Annex in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations U-20 CECAFA qualifiers in Tanzania, starting from October 5.The team will be guided by Kenya Police FC head coach Salim Babu, assisted by Bidco United’s Anthony Akhulia. The pair previously worked together as the Kenya U18 coaching staff during the CECAFA U18 championship in 2023, where Kenya reached the final but lost to Uganda.##NAJAVA_MECA_8350703##The Junior Stars have been drawn into Group A alongside host nation Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti. The team will prepare for two weeks in Nairobi before departing for Tanzania on October 4, with their opening game against the hosts scheduled for the following day.Last week, Babu named a 50-man provisional squad, although he may have to do without some players. Bernard Ouma and Javan Omondi are currently with Kenyatta University for the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Games in Lagos, Nigeria, and will not be part of the squad preparing for the qualifiers. It remains to be seen if they will be included in the final squad.Kenya aims to secure a spot in the qualifiers’ final, a feat that would see them qualify for next year’s AFCON, the host nation of which remains unknown.Olunga admits watching AFCON qualifiers from sidelines was toughProvisional SquadGoalkeepers: 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 Nasra), 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), 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).”We were caught off-guard” – Murang’a Seal coach says after Sharks defeat
