No Obiero, No Ingavi: Kenya U20 Coach Makes Bold Calls for AFCON 2025

Salim Babu, head coach of Kenya U20, has formally announced a 25-man team for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which begins in Egypt on April 27. Kenya is participating in the event for the first time under its current format.

The squad—initially leaked on Sunday—features a blend of homegrown talent and standout foreign-based players, including Spain-based defender Amos Wanjala and midfield sensation Aldrine Kibet.

Notable Omissions from Provisional Squad

Several big names were dropped from the original 35-man list, including:

• Luis Ingavi (Saginaw Valley State, USA)
• Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient, England)
• Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College, England)
• Stanley Wilson (AIK, Sweden)
• Andreas Odhiambo (on trials in Norway)

Coach Babu said the final selection was driven by “departmental necessity” and aimed at building on the team’s chemistry from the CECAFA qualifiers, where Kenya finished second behind Tanzania.

Final Kenya U20 Squad – AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers:

• Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United)
• Wyclifford Oduor (Bidco United)
• Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks)

Defenders:

• Amos Wanjala (Athletic Club Torrellano, Spain)
• Collins Ochieng (AC Horsens, Denmark)
• Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka)
• Joseph Bate (MOFA FC)
• Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal)
• Jackson Imbiakha (ex-Mombasa Elite)
• Telena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars)
• Manzu Okwaro (KCB FC)

Midfielders:

• Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Academy, Spain)
• Kevin Wangaya (Unattached)
• Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars)
• Irad Mshindi (ex-Musingu Scorpions)
• Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia)
• Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks)
• Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards)

Forwards:

• Elly Owande (Al-Nasr SC, UAE)
• Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards)
• Ezekieh Omuri (Shabana FC)
• William Gitama (Bandari)
• Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars)
• Lawrence Ouma (MOFA FC)
• Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz)

Morocco Training Camp Before Egypt

The Rising Stars will depart for a 10-day training camp in Morocco on Wednesday to finalize preparations ahead of the tournament.

Coach Salim Babu: “We’re Targeting the World Cup”

“Our goal is to reach the World Cup,” said Babu. “To do that, we must reach the semifinals. I believe we have the quality to get there, and we’re fully committed to achieving that dream.”

With a balanced squad and strong preparation, Kenya’s U20 side will aim to secure one of four CAF spots for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup.