Kenya U-20 head coach Salim Babu has revealed his 41-man provisional squad for the upcoming AFCON U-20 CECAFA qualifiers. The competition will be hosted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from October 6 to 20, 2024, with Kenya drawn into Group A alongside Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti.

Babu’s squad reflects a blend of local talent and players from overseas academies, underscoring Kenya’s ambition to secure a spot in the continental tournament. The young stars will report for a residential training camp in Nairobi on September 22 before heading to Tanzania on October 4.

With the support of assistant coach Anthony Akhulia, Babu will be hoping to lead the team through a highly competitive group and qualify for the AFCON U-20 tournament, a key milestone in the development of Kenya’s footballing future.

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), William 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).

Kenya’s Group A Matchups

Kenya’s campaign will kick off against strong opponents in Group A. The hosts, Tanzania, are expected to provide stiff competition, while Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti complete the group. With such a diverse pool of talent, Coach Babu will be looking to refine the squad during their training camp to ensure they are ready to compete at the highest level.