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Kibet and Wanjala have been included as Salim Babu has named his final 20-man squad for the tournament with Kenya hoping to seal qualification to their maiden AFCON U20 tournament.
Junior Stars head coach Salim Babu has revealed his final 20-man squad for the CECAFA AFCON U-20 tournament set to take place in Dar es Salaam from October 6-20, 2024.
Among the notable inclusions are key players Aldrine Kibet, Amos Wanjala, and AFC Leopards’ rising star Hassan Beja. Swedish-based star Stanley Wilson has also made the cut.
The regional tournament, scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from October 6 to 20, 2024, will serve as Kenya’s pathway to qualify for the AFCON U-20 tournament for the first time in the nation’s history.
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17:45 - 03.10.2024
Ulinzi Stars' Boniface Muchiri on how mother's support helped him go through three-year Harambee Stars snub
Muchiri has been recalled to the national team for the first time since October 2021 ahead of Harambee Stars' crucial AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Cameroon.
The squad announcement follows an intensive period of training, tactical assessments, and several build-up matches. Babu’s final selection is a well-balanced team, featuring a mix of experienced youth players and fresh talents making their debut in national team colors. It underscores Kenya’s recent commitment to nurturing young footballers through youth competitions.
Aldrine Kibet, who has consistently impressed since his involvement in the 2023 CECAFA U18 Boys Championship, will be a crucial player to watch.
His dynamic play in the forward line has earned him a spot alongside Amos Wanjala, another key player who brings leadership and defensive prowess to the team. Wanjala, who recently joined Spanish fifth-tier side AC Torrellano, has gained valuable experience abroad, which he will be expected to utilize as Kenya prepares to navigate a tough Group A.
Meanwhile, Hassan Beja, one of AFC Leopards' emerging talents, has also been included in the squad. Beja, who showcased his skills during the 2024 COSAFA tournament, is expected to play a pivotal role in the midfield, contributing to both defensive duties and forward transitions.
Coach Babu expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to perform well in the qualifiers, noting the balance between seasoned youth competition participants and new talent.
"This is a well-prepared squad, and we’ve selected players who have shown commitment and growth throughout the training period. We have high expectations as we aim for nothing less than securing a spot at the AFCON U-20 tournament," Babu stated.
The Junior Stars will face stiff competition in Group A, where they are set to go up against hosts Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti. Their first match is against Tanzania on October 6, and the team is set to travel to Dar es Salaam on Friday, October 5.
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12:35 - 03.10.2024
Adam Wilson: What you need to know about the English-born former Newcastle United star who has been called up by Harambee Stars
Who is the former Newcastle United forward that has been drafted into the Harambee Stars squad for their AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Cameroon?
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