The Kenya U20 men’s national team, Rising Stars, has kicked off a three-day scouting mini-camp today, Monday, February 24, 2025, as part of its preparations for the upcoming AFCON U20 tournament. The tournament is set to take place from April 26 to May 18, 2025, in Ivory Coast.
Scouting and Talent Identification
This initial phase of the camp focuses on identifying promising talents, primarily from Nairobi and its surrounding areas. The technical team aims to strengthen the squad ahead of the continental competition.
The scouting exercise, led by head coach Salim Babu, provides young players with an opportunity to showcase their potential and compete for a place in the final squad. With a highly competitive AFCON U20 tournament ahead, this camp is a crucial step in assembling a formidable team.
A second scouting mini-camp is scheduled to take place from Monday, March 3, to Wednesday, March 5, 2025, continuing the talent identification process in different regions. These sessions play a key role in shaping the squad that will eventually represent Kenya in the tournament.
Kenya’s Group Stage Draw
Kenya has been placed in Group C, alongside defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone, setting the stage for a fiercely contested group.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams. The tournament will then proceed in a knockout format, culminating in the final on May 18, 2025. Additionally, the four semi-finalists will secure a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, continuing Africa’s legacy of excellence on the global stage.
Rising Stars Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks)
- Humphrey Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks)
- Tony Goga (Kariobangi Sharks)
Defenders:
- 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)
Midfielders:
- 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)
Forwards:
- Meshack Nyabinge (Sofapaka)
- Jack Onganya (Sofapaka)
- Derrick Khaemba (Sofapaka)
- Miguel Osotsi (FC Talanta)
- Charles Junior (Sofapaka)
- Sydney Otieno (Kibra United)
- Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka)
- Wayne Dalvin (Sofapaka)
- Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United)
- Brian Sifa (Nairobi United)
- Hakim Chumbe (Nairobi United)
This provisional squad consists of talented young players drawn from various clubs across the country.
