Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has named a 35-man provisional squad for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to kick off on Sunday, 27 April 2025, in Egypt.The squad comprises a balanced mix of home-based players and youngsters plying their trade abroad, carefully selected after nationwide scouting.Babu and his technical bench assessed performances and potential, trimming the initial pool to those who impressed the most.##NAJAVA_MECA_8812237##Among the notable names making a return to the squad are captain Amos Wanjala and several key players from the CECAFA U20 campaign, including Manzur Okwaro, Baron Ochieng, Aldrine Kibet, Tyron Kariuki, Kelly Madada, Andreas Odhiambo, Kevin Wangaya, Hassan Beja, Ezekiel Omuri, William Gitamu, and Luis Ingavi. The squad also features six foreign-based players, including England-based Jeremy Bissau of Brooke House College and Zech Obiero of Leyton Orient.Kenya has been drawn into Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone.Why Victor Wanyama joined relegation-threatened Scottish minnowsThe team will open its campaign against Sierra Leone on Thursday, 1 May, face Zambia on Sunday, 4 May, and conclude the group stage with a crucial match against Senegal on Wednesday, 7 May.A top-two finish would secure a place in the quarterfinals, while the best third-placed teams across the groups also stand a chance of progressing.The tournament will serve as a qualifier for the FIFA U20 World Cup, with the top four teams earning a spot in the global event.The team has already settled into a residential camp in Nairobi, with a series of warm-up matches lined up to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion before departing for Egypt.Inside Logarusic’s tactical masterclass that outclassed African giants CameroonFull SquadGoalkeepers: Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Wycliford Oduor (Bidco United), Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United).Defenders: Manzur Okwaro (KCB), Joseph Bate (MOFA), Jackson Sane (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Athletic Club Torrellano – Spain), Charles Junior (Sofapaka), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal), Telena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars), Rodgers Wasega (Nairobi City Stars).Midfielders: Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Stanley Wilson (AIK – Sweden), Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient – England), Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars), Irad Mshindi (KCB), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic – Spain), Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks), Gilbert Abala (Nairobi City Stars), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Ezekiel Omuri (Shabana), Tyron Kariuki (KCB), William Gitamu (Bandari), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Elly Owande (Al Nasr – UAE), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College – Leicester, England).##NAJAVA_MECA_8812679##Forwards: Lawrence Ouma (MOFA), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Henry Omollo (Kakamega Homeboyz), Luis Ingavi (Saginaw Valley State – USA).
