Jeremy Bissau, Zech Obiero headline Kenya's AFCON U-20 provisional squad

Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has named a 35-man provisional squad for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to kick off on April 27, 2025, in Egypt.

The provisional squad is a well-blended mix of domestic-based players and exciting foreign-based talent, carefully selected after a series of nationwide scouting camps. 

Salim Babu and his technical team have trimmed down the initial pool to those who impressed both in performance and potential.

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Among the notable names making a return to the squad are skipper Amos Wanjala and core players from the CECAFA campaign including Manzur Okwaro, Baron Ochieng, Aldrine Kibet, Tyron Kariuki, Kelly Madada, Andreas Odhiambo, Kevin Wangaya, Hassan Beja, Ezekiel Omuri, William Gitamu  and Luis Ingavi.

England-based duo Jeremy Bissau and Zech Obiero  have also been included in the squad that has six-foreign based players .

Kenya were drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, Zambia and Sierra Leone.

The Rising Stars will open their campaign against Sierra Leone on May 1, take on Zambia on May 4, and conclude the group phase with a crucial tie against Senegal on May 7.

The team has already entered a residential camp in Nairobi and is scheduled to play a number of warm-up matches in the coming weeks, as part of preparations to sharpen tactics and build chemistry before traveling to Egypt.

Goalkeepers

Benard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Wycliford Oduor (Bidco United), Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United)

Defenders

Manzur Okwaro (KCB), Joseph Bate (MOFA), Jackson Sane (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Athletic Club Torrellano), Charles Junior (Sofapaka), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal), Telena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars), Rodgers Wasega (Nairobi City Stars)

Midfielders

Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Stanley Wilson (AIK – Sweden), Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient-England), Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars), Irad Mshindi (KCB), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic – Spain), Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks), Gilbert Abala (Nairobi City Stars), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Ezekiel Omuri (Shabana), Tyron Kariuki (KCB), William Gitamu (Bandari), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Elly Owande (Al Nasr – UAE), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College – Leicester England)

Forwards

Lawrence Ouma (MOFA), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Henry Omollo (Kakamega Homeboyz), Luis Ingavi (Saginaw Valley State – USA)