The Kenya U20 football team is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming CECAFA U-20 qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Kasarani Annex.
With high hopes of advancing to the continental tournament, the team, under the stewardship of head coach Salim Babu, has assembled a promising squad to face off against strong competition in Group A.
This group features heavyweights such as Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti, which promises thrilling matches ahead.
For football fans across Kenya, there’s growing excitement as the young squad readies itself to represent the country on a bigger stage.
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Kenya’s quest to qualify for the 2025 AFCON kicks off in October as the team looks to secure a place in the final of the CECAFA U-20 qualifiers in Tanzania.
With such a high stake, the U20 squad has a clear goal: to finish at the top of their group and proceed to the final stages of the tournament.
Coach Salim Babu, a seasoned tactician, is leading a 50-man provisional squad through an intense training camp at Kasarani Annex.
Babu, alongside his assistant, Anthony Akhulia from Bidco United, is determined to field the best talent available.
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The duo is working tirelessly to mold the young stars into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.
However, not all the players will be present during the full training camp. Two key squad members, Bernard Ouma and Javan Omondi, are currently in Nigeria, representing Kenya in the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Games.
While their absence during preparations is a challenge, the coaching team remains confident in the depth of the squad.
Despite these hurdles, the team’s spirits are high as they prepare to depart for Tanzania on October 4.
Their opening match is scheduled for October 5, where they will face off against the hosts, Tanzania, in what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
Tanzania is known for its footballing prowess, and playing against the home crowd is bound to test Kenya’s mental and physical resilience.
The two-week training camp at Kasarani Annex is crucial in fine-tuning the team’s strategies and ensuring the players are in top form.
Babu’s tactical approach focuses on building a solid defense, sharp attacking play, and maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch.
Training at Kasarani Annex, a facility that has hosted numerous national teams, provides the players with an ideal environment to hone their skills.
Beyond tactics, the training sessions will also emphasize physical conditioning, mental preparedness, and team cohesion. With a packed fixture list ahead, endurance and mental strength will be key to navigating through the intense competition they will face in Tanzania.
The Kenyan football community is hopeful that these young stars can rise to the occasion and make their mark on the regional and continental stages.
This tournament offers an invaluable opportunity for these players to showcase their talent and make a name for themselves. Furthermore, success in the CECAFA U-20 qualifiers would position the team favorably for future international tournaments.
Even with the absence of Bernard Ouma and Javan Omondi during the preparation period, Kenya has no shortage of talented players.
The squad includes some of the brightest young stars in the country, each eager to prove themselves on the international stage.
While the provisional squad consists of 50 players, only the best will make the final cut, ensuring that Kenya will be represented by a team filled with quality and determination.
One standout player to keep an eye on is midfielder Hassan Abdallah. Known for his vision and passing ability, Abdallah is expected to control the tempo of Kenya’s matches and unlock opposition defenses.
In attack, striker Kelvin Waweru is another player with a point to prove, and his goal-scoring prowess will be key if Kenya is to make it to the final.
On the defensive front, center-back Simon Oloo’s leadership and aerial dominance will provide the team with stability and a reliable defense against high-caliber opponents like Tanzania and Rwanda.
If these players can perform at their best, Kenya stands a real chance of progressing to the AFCON qualifiers.
