Kenya’s U-20 national football team squad, Rising Stars are poised for showdown in the 2025 U-20 AFCON.
The Kenya National U-20 football team, the Rising Stars, has begun its preparations for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a scouting mini camp.
Head coach Salim Babu has named his squad for the initial phase of the camp, which aims to identify and integrate fresh talent into the team ahead of the prestigious continental tournament.
The 24th edition of the U-20 AFCON is set to take place in Ivory Coast from April 26 to May 18, 2025.
A total of 13 nations, including Kenya, will compete for the title of African champions.
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As part of their build-up to the tournament, the Rising Stars will undergo a three-day scouting mini camp starting Monday, February 24.
The initial phase of the scouting camp will focus primarily on identifying promising players from Nairobi and its surrounding areas.
Coach Salim Babu and his technical team are keen on bolstering the squad by assessing new talent that could enhance Kenya’s chances in the competition.
This scouting exercise offers young players an opportunity to showcase their potential and fight for a place in the final squad.
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Given the highly competitive nature of the AFCON U-20 tournament, this camp marks a crucial step in assembling a formidable team to represent Kenya on the continental stage.
A second scouting mini camp is scheduled from Monday, March 3, to Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
This session will expand the talent search to other regions across the country, ensuring a diverse and well-rounded squad selection process.
These scouting camps play a vital role in refining the team and preparing them for the intense competition ahead.
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Kenya has been drawn into Group C, where they will face defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone.
This grouping promises to be highly competitive, with all four teams battling for a place in the knockout stages.
The tournament’s format sees the top two teams from each group progressing to the quarter-finals, alongside the two best third-placed teams.
From there, the competition follows a knockout format, culminating in the grand final on May 18, 2025.
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Beyond continental glory, the four semi-finalists will secure a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025.
This provides an added incentive for Kenya’s young stars to perform at their best and continue Africa’s proud footballing tradition on the world stage.
Coach Salim Babu’s Rising Stars earned their place in the U-20 AFCON despite falling 2-1 to Tanzania in the final of the CECAFA U-20 AFCON qualifiers in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, in 2024.
Their strong performance in the qualifiers demonstrated the potential within the squad, and the upcoming camps will be crucial in fine-tuning the team for the challenges ahead.
As the countdown to the U-20 AFCON continues, Kenya’s Rising Stars are determined to make an impact.
Rising Stars Squad:
Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Humphrey Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks), Tony Goga (Kariobangi Sharks), 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), 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), Meshack Nyabinge (Sofapaka), Jack Onganya (Sofapaka), Derrick Khaemba (Sofapaka), Miguel Osotsi (FC Talanta), Charles Junior (Sofapaka), Sydney Otieno (Sofapaka), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Wayne Dalvin (Sofapaka), Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United), Brian Sifa (Nairobi United), Hakim Chumbe (Nairobi United), Bernard Ouma (Nairobi United)
Adrian Oloo (Nairobi United), Isaac Omweri (Nairobi United), Duncan Omala (Nairobi United), Joshua Keya (Kibera Blackstars), Randy Nagide (Water Works), Jennings Odhiambo (Water Works), Humphrey Onyango (Kariobangi Legends), Robby Mangi (Kariobangi Legends), Adrian Origi (Bongonaya), Wycliff Oduor (Naivas), Telana Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars)Brian Emillio (Ulinzi Stars)Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars)
Joseph Omuse (Ulinzi Stars), Lucas Maina (Murang’a Seal), Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal), Tyrone Kariuki (KCB FC), Manzur Okwaro (KCB FC), Irad Mushindi (KCB FC), William Gitama (Bandari), Izzadin Mohammed (Bandari), Delphine Omuri (Shabana), Austin Odongo (Shabana), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Kevin Wangaya
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