The Kenya U20 men’s national team, Rising Stars, has launched its first three-day scouting mini-camp as part of preparations for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations.The age-grade tournament is scheduled to take place from Saturday 26 April to Sunday 18 May 2025, in Ivory Coast.This initial phase focuses on identifying talent primarily from Nairobi and its surroundings as the technical bench seeks to strengthen the squad ahead of the continental showpiece.Head coach Salim Babu is leading the scouting exercise, providing young players with an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for a spot in the final squad.##NAJAVA_MECA_8725924##With the AFCON U20 tournament on the horizon, this camp serves as a crucial step in assembling a competitive team.A second scouting mini-camp is scheduled to take place from Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 March, extending the talent identification process across different regions.These sessions will be instrumental in shaping the squad that will ultimately represent Kenya on the continental stage.Kenya has been drawn into Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, 2017 winners Zambia, and tournament debutants Sierra Leone.The group stage promises intense competition, with the top two teams automatically advancing to the quarter-finals, while the two best third-placed teams will also progress.Spain-based Wanjala confident in Rising Stars World Cup chancesA total of 13 teams will participate in the tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, set to take place from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 19 October 2025.The four semi-finalists from AFCON U20 will secure a spot at the global tournament, continuing Africa’s strong presence on the world stage.Kenya’s participation in the AFCON U20 marks a historic moment, as it will be the first time the nation competes in the tournament since 1979 when it was known as the African Youth Championship.The Rising Stars earned their place in the competition by finishing as runners-up in the CECAFA Qualifiers in October, making history under the leadership of coach Babu.Stanley Okumbi on why Kenya will succeed at U20 AFCONAs the team embarks on its journey to AFCON U20, the scouting process will be pivotal in building a strong squad capable of competing against the best teams in Africa.The upcoming months will be crucial in finalizing the team that will carry Kenya’s hopes on the continental stage.SquadBernard 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 (Sofapaka), Charles Junior (Sofapaka), Sydney Otieno (Sofapaka), 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), Lawrence Okoth (Shabana), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Kevin Wangaya
