Coach Gilbert Selebwa Names Final U20 CECAFA AFCON Qualifiers Squad

Coach Gilbert Selebwa has named his final squad for the U20 CECAFA AFCON Qualifiers in Tanzania, settling on the group of players who will fly the flag for Kenya in the race for a ticket to the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

The squad strikes a balance between school-based players and club-based players drawn from both local and foreign clubs. Notably, several players have made the step up from last year’s U17s to the U20 set-up, among them Raphael Omondi, Eugine Belety, Trevor Nasasiro, Yusuf Ahmed, Armstrong Omondi, Brighton Nacheri and Julius Ochieng, a sign of seamless progression through the ranks.

Additionally, players from the last U20 AFCON squad, namely Bernard Jairo and Telena Ochieng, have made it back.

Rising Stars kick off their campaign on 17th September against Burundi, with kickoff set for 8 PM. They will then face South Sudan on 19th September at 2 PM. Both Group matches will be played at the Uhuru Stadium.

Rising Stars players at a past match — Coach Selebwa names final U20 CECAFA/AFCON qualifiers squad. Photo: File.

Kenya U20 CECAFA/AFCON Qualifiers final squad

GOALKEEPERS

Wayne Orata (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Benard Jairo (Nairobi United FC), Theodore Mwangi (Ongata Academy).

DEFENDERS

Raphael Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Eugine Belety (Kakamega School), Telena Ochieng (Tusker FC), Charles Auma (FC Talanta), Edwin Jumba (Shabana FC), Rodgers Wasega (Posta Rangers FC), Stephen Ouma (St. Mary’s, Yala).

MIDFIELDERS

Nasasiro Trevor (St. Anthony’s, Kitale), Hamvin Okoth (Migori Youth FC), Yusuf Ahmed (Utsikten BK, Sweden), Armstrong Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Churchil Ombuor (Migori Youth FC), Brighton Nacheri (Kakamega School), Allan Otieno (Migori Youth FC), Abdirizak Nurie (Berlin FC), Quincy Waithanji (BFC Dynamo, Germany).

FORWARDS

Bravin Omondi (Mombasa Elite FC), Julius Ochieng (Kakamega School), Keylah Mauko (CF Reus Deportiu, Spain), Austine Odongo (Shaban FC), Seedoph Zgoll (Dereham FC, United Kingdom), Brighton Omondi (St. Mary’s, Yala).