The U-20 Kenya National Football team Rising Stars, are banking on three key FKF Premier League players as they eye historic World Cup qualification.
Kenya's U-20 national football team, the Rising Stars, are gearing up for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, set to take place between April 26 and May 18.
With a tough Group C draw featuring Sierra Leone, Zambia, and reigning champions Senegal, Kenya is banking on a mix of youth and experience to navigate the tournament and secure a historic FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification.
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Head coach Salim Babu has assembled a provisional squad blending promising young talents with seasoned players from the FKF Premier League (FKFPL).
The latter group, comprising AFC Leopards' Kelly Madada, KCB’s Manzur Okwaro, and Sofapaka's Baron Ochieng, is expected to provide the experience and composure needed at this level of competition.
Madada, who earned a call-up to Benni McCarthy’s provisional Harambee Stars squad during the March international break, brings national team exposure to the Rising Stars.
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Okwaro, having made McCarthy’s final squad for Kenya’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon, adds further high-level experience.
Ochieng, the third FKFPL representative, completes a trio that will be crucial in the Rising Stars’ AFCON campaign.
Assistant coach Anthony Akhulia emphasized the squad’s balance and the importance of experienced FKFPL players.
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“The squad is well-balanced. We have players playing in top-flight football like Kelly, Baron, and Manzur. These are very experienced players. They’ve been part of the team since the U-18 level, so we’ve grown well together. We also have young talents like Javan who are new to the team,” he stated via Citizen TV.
With the blend of battle-tested FKFPL players and emerging talents, Kenya’s Rising Stars are set to challenge Africa’s best in Egypt and secure a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.