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Salim Babu has made the ruthless decision to drop underperformers from the opening two games, including Amos Wanjala and Baron Ochieng, for their final AFCON U20 clash against Nigeria.
With nothing left to play for but pride, Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu has opted to reshuffle his pack for this evening’s CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Group B dead-rubber against Nigeria in Cairo.
Among the key changes is the decision to bench captain Amos Wanjala, alongside his deputy and right back Baron Ochieng, as Kenya look to give new faces a chance to impress at the 30 June Stadium.
Humphrey Obino takes Ochieng’s place at right back, while Jackson Imbiakha slots into central defence to partner Joseph Bate. Manzur Suleiman Okwaro retains his position at left back, despite being a natural centre-half—a necessity prompted by first-choice left back Telena Ochieng’s ongoing knee injury.
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15:22 - 06.05.2025
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The midfield sees a notable shift with the introduction of Irad Mushindi, who has been assigned a double role: protecting the backline and supporting Kevin Wangaya in advancing the ball. Mushindi’s inclusion means Andreas Odhiambo, who had partnered Wangaya in Kenya’s first two matches, drops to the bench.
As a result, Wangaya will now play in a more advanced role than in the previous outings against Morocco and Tunisia.
One of the most exciting developments is the inclusion of Ezekiel Omuri. The Shabana winger has been handed his first start of the tournament, replacing Javan Omondi and Elly Owande, who were more involved in the earlier group fixtures.
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18:29 - 06.05.2025
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Elsewhere, Aldrine Kibet, Hassan Beja, and forward Lawrence Ouma all keep their places in the starting XI, as does goalkeeper Wyclifford Oduor. Kevin Oduor remains the backup between the sticks.
Kenya’s U20 side is already out of the tournament following consecutive defeats—3-2 to Morocco and 3-1 to Tunisia—despite scoring first in both encounters. Defensive frailties and second-half collapses ultimately sealed their fate.
Still, tonight’s fixture offers an opportunity for the Rising Stars to restore pride, test new talent, and potentially cause an upset against a Nigerian side that has already secured progression.
Rising Stars XI
Wyclifford Oduor, Humphrey Obino, Jackson Imbiakha, Joseph Bate, Manzur Suleiman Okwaro, Irad Mushindi, Kevin Wangaya, Aldrine Kibet, Hassan Beja, Ezekiel Omuri, Lawrence Ouma
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14:55 - 06.05.2025
'I Chose Not To Speak' - Fred Kerley Breaks Silence After Arrest
Fred Kerley has finally spoken after he was arrested for alleged assault.
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