Coach Salim Babu has announced his provisional squad for the upcoming AFCON U-20 CECAFA qualifiers, set to take place from October 6-20, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Kenya has been drawn into Group A, where they will compete against host nations Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti. The team will begin a residential training camp in Nairobi on September 22, ahead of their departure to Tanzania on October 4.
Coach Babu, alongside assistant coach Anthony Akhulia, will aim to secure qualification for the AFCON U-20 tournament. The provisional squad includes a blend of local and international players, with representation from clubs such as AFC Leopards, Kakamega Homeboyz, Gor Mahia, and even international academies like Montverde Academy and Riffa Sports Club.
Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
- 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)
- Houston 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/ Vasalund)
- 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)
The squad reflects a wide selection of talent across different teams and age levels, with many players coming from local football powerhouses and schools, while others ply their trade internationally. With the AFCON U-20 CECAFA qualifiers fast approaching, Coach Salim Babu will have to finalize his squad in the coming weeks to represent Kenya in this crucial tournament.
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