Kenya U20 men’s head coach Salim Babu has admitted that he faces a selection headache in determining the final squad that will feature in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Egypt.The provisional team has been in camp for close to a month in preparation for their maiden appearance in the tournament, which is scheduled to run between Sunday, 27 April to Sunday,18 May in Egypt. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8823976##The team has so far played a couple of friendly matches to gauge their preparedness, with their 1-1 draw against Kariobangi Sharks on Thursday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex being their latest. Hassan Beja had given the junior team, that is commonly known as Rising Stars, an early lead, with Ghai Panchol striking from the spot, later on in the half, to draw Sharks level. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8823983##Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the draw against Sharks, Babu conceded that it would not be easy to settle on the final team, as all players in camp have been displaying hunger for the limited slots. “It will be hard to select the final team. However, they (the players) will determine who will make the cut. These friendlies will help us in coming up with the final team. They have been playing well, but unfortunately, a few are not fully fit. Of course, we will ensure that they are fit within the shortest time possible. If you look at the team keenly, you will realize that it is not going to be easy to select the final squad, but we promise to pick the best,” admitted Babu. Harambee Stars drop three places in latest FIFA rankingsBabu said the ease with which the boys had either beaten or frustrated teams drawn from the top tier in friendly matches had convinced him that they were ready for the AFCON. Kenya is placed in Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, Zambia and Sierra Leone. “We are getting into a good shape. We want to score goals and defend well at AFCON. Scoring and defending against Premier League clubs is indicative that we are ready for the tournament,” added Babu. Tusker youngster craving for league return after recovering from ankle injuryHaving played four-time Kenyan champions Ulinzi Stars and Kariobangi Sharks on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, the team will take a break on Friday to prepare for Saturday’s friendly against the Kenya Police youth team. Babu is hoping to have the trio of Amos Wanjala, Aldrine Kibet and Stanley Wilson before they take on the Law Enforcers’ junior side.
