2025 U20 AFCON: Why Salim Babu believes Rising Stars have perfect formula for historic World Cup spot

Kenya U20 coach Salim Babu instructs his players during a past training session. Photo: FKF Media.

2025 U20 AFCON: Why Salim Babu believes Rising Stars have perfect formula for historic World Cup spot

Mark Kinyanjui 05:40 - 28.02.2025

Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu has outlined how he is preparing his charges with the AFCON-U20 clash around the corner.

Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu is leaving no stone unturned as he works towards securing Kenya’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, set to take place in Chile next year.

With the AFCON U-20 tournament in Ivory Coast (April 26 – May 18, 2025) serving as the gateway to the global showpiece, Babu is intensifying preparations, focusing on extensive scouting, squad strengthening, and strategic planning.

Kenya earned a spot at the continental tournament after finishing runners-up to Tanzania in the CECAFA qualifiers, held in Dar es Salaam in October 2024. 

The Rising Stars will need to navigate a tricky Group C, where they will face defending champions  Senegal, 2017 U-20 AFCON winners Zambia as well as  former World Cup quarter-finalists Sierra Leone

“We have started preparing early,” Babu said during a mini-camp at Kasarani Stadium, where he and his technical staff, including Bidco United coach Anthony Akhulia, are analysing potential squad members.

“We have drafted over 40 players from Nairobi, but we are yet to call up players from teams like Shabana, Bandari, and other regions. We are assessing players in bits.”

Babu also revealed his plans to call up Kenyan-eligible players from Europe, ensuring the team is as competitive as possible.

“We have a good pool of players, and we will see who suits us best because we want to qualify for the World Cup.”

The second scouting mini-camp is scheduled from March 3 to March 5, 2025, targeting more players from different regions. The trials will play a key role in finalizing the squad that will represent Kenya at AFCON U-20.

“We want to have a good team. There are several players we left behind during the qualifiers. Now, we want to see as many players as possible all over the country, and I believe we have everything it takes to do well.”

Kenya’s captain, Amos Wanjala, who plays for Spanish lower-tier side Athletic Torrellano, is expected to lead the charge as the Rising Stars aim to finish among the top four teams at AFCON U-20 to secure a historic ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Other players, such as Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wangaya, Louis Ingavi, Collins Ochieng and Baron Ochieng are also expected to play a key role for the side during the campaign in Ivory Coast.

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