Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has named his final squad for the upcoming Africa U20 Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Egypt starting April 27.The team has been in intense training for the past four weeks as they prepare to compete in the tournament, marking Kenya’s debut under the new format.The Rising Stars secured their spot in the tournament after reaching the CECAFA qualifiers final, where they were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Tanzania. Both teams progressed to the AFCON finals.##NAJAVA_MECA_8849740##In his squad selection, Babu has made the decision to leave out all foreign-born players who had been part of the training sessions, with a significant number of players who featured in the qualifiers earning their places in the final team.The squad includes three goalkeepers: Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Wyclifford Oduor (Bidco United), and Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United).In defense, captain Amos Wanjala (based in Spain) will lead the backline, alongside Joseph Bate (MOFA FC), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Henry Obina (Murang’a Seal), Collins Ochieng (based in Denmark), and Telena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars). Other defenders include Jackson Imbiakha (former Mombasa Elite) and Manzur Okwaro (KCB FC).Kakamega Homeboyz overcome road accident scare to eliminate Shabana out of Mozzart Bet CupMidfield options will include Kevin Wangaya (currently unattached), Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars), Irad Mshindi (former Musingu Scorpions captain), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), and Spain-based Aldrine Kibet.Unfortunately, Babu will be without Andreas Odhiambo (currently on trials in Norway) and Stanley Omondi (AIK).BREAKING: Rachier re-elected Gor Mahia chairman as Arum floors Ochola to win SG’s seatUpfront, the forward line will consist of Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Ezekieh Omuri (Shabana FC), Elly Owande (based in Dubai), William Gitama (Bandari), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Lawrence Ouma (MOFA), and Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz).Coach Babu emphasized that the team’s primary objective is to qualify for the U20 World Cup, which requires a semifinal finish at the AFCON 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 stated.The team will depart for Morocco on Wednesday, where they will hold a 10-day training camp before heading to Egypt.Full squadGoalkeepers: Kevin Oduor, Wyclifford Oduor, Bernard JairoDefenders: Baron Ochieng, Humphrey Obina, Jackson Imbiakha, Joseph Bate, Manzu Okwaro, Amos Wanjala, Talena Ochieng, Collins OchiengMidfielders: Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian, Irad Mshindi, Mark Shaban, Humphrey Aroko, Aldrine Kibet, Kelly MadadaAttackers:Hassan Beja, Ezekieh Omuri, Elly Owande, William Gitama, Javan Omondi, Lawrence Ouma, Oliver MachakaBoost for Rising Stars as Wanjala confirms arrival date
