Aldrine Kibet among stars named in Kenya’s U20 squad for Malawi’s 4-nations tournament

The Kenya U20 football head coach Salim Babu has named a provisional squad ahead of the upcoming four-nations tournament set to take place from 18-26 March in Malawi.

Former St. Anthony’s Kitale Boys High School players dominate the star-studded squad that is expected to feature in the competition.

Among the ex-Solidarity Boys players that have been included in the team include the Spanish-based duo of Amos Wanjala and Aldrine Kibet.

Kibet was one of the stars during the 2023 national school games championships and the CECAFA Junior tournament. The player, whose dribbling skills and pace caught the attention of many football experts, emerged as the top scorer in both tournaments.

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Wanjala, on the other hand, was a rock in the heart of Solidarity Boys defense and also played an influential role in helping the Kenyan youngsters to qualify for the finals of the CECAFA championship which they narrowly lost to rivals Uganda in the final.

Some of the other big names that have made it to the squad expected to be trimmed before the trip to Malawi include the Gor Mahia duo of Paul Ochuoga and Mark Shaban, Ulinzi Stars’ Lucas Maina and Kakamega Homeboyz’ shot-stopper Ibrahim Wanzala who won the Golden Glove in the CECAFA tourney.

Bidco United’s Francis Kamau, Migori Youth’s Elly Owade and AFC Leopard’s Christopher Koloti have also made it to the squad.

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According to a communique from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the youngsters are expected to report to camp on March 11.

Rising Stars will use the four-nation tournament to prepare for the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 qualifiers scheduled to take place later this year.

Besides Kenya and the hosts Malawi, some of the other nations that will take part in the tournament include Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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Goalkeepers

Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz), Issa Emuria (Ulinzi Stars), Junior Odhiambo (Migori Youth), Joshua Keya (Rainbow), Kevin Alloys (Mathare United).

Defenders

Joseph Bate (MOFA), Nesta Olum (AFC Leopards), Sigmun Maina (Kariobangi Sharks), Junior Masinza (Kakamega Homeboyz), Francis Kamau (Bidco United), Fidel Otieno (Mathare United), Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia), Faiz Opande (Elite Falcon, Dubai), Daniel Odhiambo (Mombasa Elite), Grant Odiero (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy), Mansur Okwaro (Unattached), Collins Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka).

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Midfielders

Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports Academy), Linus Munyao (Rainbow), Hamisi Otieno (Homabay), Lucas Maina (Ulinzi Stars), Benard Ouma (Nairobi United FC), Ryan Wesley (Rainbow), Stanley Wilson (AIK, Sweden), Kevin Wangaya (Apollonia FC, Albania), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Brian Kamau (Rainbow), Elly Owade (Migori Youth), Andreas Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks), Zechariah Obiero (Leyton Onorient FC).

Forwards

Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Christopher Koloti (AFC Leopards), Delphine Omuri (Shabana), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Brian Mboya (Bidco United), Adrian Oloo (Nairobi United), Umar Rajab (Apollonia FC, Albania), James Gachago (St Andrew’s United), Clinton Asiago (Bidco United), Louis Ingavi (Montvarde Academy, USA), Syphas Otieno (MOFA), Tyron Kariuki (Rainbow), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars).

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