Coach Babu confident of Kenya U-20's World Cup hopes

Kenya Under-20 men’s football team coach, Salim Babu, believes the team has a strong chance of qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, provided they undergo thorough preparations.

Kenya, fondly known as the Rising Stars, is among the 13 teams set to compete in the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which will take place from April 26 to May 18 in Côte d’Ivoire.

The tournament will serve as a qualifier for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, with the top four nations earning a spot at the global event scheduled for September 27 to October 19 in Chile.

On Monday, Babu named a 58-man provisional squad of local-based players for a three-day scouting mini-camp in Nairobi, aimed at identifying talent.

The squad consists mainly of Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) players, with a second scouting camp scheduled for March 3-5 across different regions. Foreign-based players will be called up at a later stage as preparations intensify.

Speaking to Nation Sport, Babu expressed confidence in his squad, highlighting the immense talent available in the country. He emphasised that proper training and commitment would be key in securing a spot at the World Cup.

"We have many young good players, especially in the premier league (FKF-PL), whom we want to work with. If they come to camp and we train well, you will see us in the World Cup," said Babu.

Kenya has been drawn in Group C of the tournament alongside defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone.

The Rising Stars will face a tough challenge in their bid to advance, but Babu remains optimistic. Other groups include Group A, featuring hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Tanzania, DR Congo, and an undecided second team from the Central African Football Federation’s Union (Uniffac).

The uncertainty surrounding the final Uniffac slot stems from FIFA’s suspension of the Republic of Congo due to governance issues. Group B comprises Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.

Babu believes his team has the potential to make history by becoming only the second Kenyan football team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup. Kenya’s U-17 women’s team, led by coach Mildred Cheche, was the first to achieve this feat, making their debut at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

The young Kenyan girls finished third in Group C with three points after a remarkable 2-1 victory over Mexico.

"The girls (Kenya U-17 women’s team) went to the World Cup, so there is nothing impossible in this world. We respect Senegal as big giants, but we have nothing to fear. We have set our sights on the World Cup," asserted Babu, who also coaches Nairobi City Stars. He emphasized that his focus is on strengthening all departments in the team to ensure competitiveness at the tournament.

Several key players who helped Kenya qualify for the 2025 U-20 Afcon finals have been included in the provisional squad.

These include Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Hasan Beja (AFC Leopards), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), William Gitama (Bandari), and Kevin Wangaya. Kenya secured its Afcon U-20 qualification after finishing second in the CECAFA U-20 regional qualifiers in October last year, narrowly losing 2-1 to hosts Tanzania in the final.

With high hopes and a clear goal, the Rising Stars will be looking to prove themselves on the continental stage and secure a historic qualification to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Squad

Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Humphrey Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks), Tony Goga (Kariobangi Sharks), Jacob Otieno (Kariobangi Sharks), Razel Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks), Andres Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Price Musebe (Kariobangi Sharks), Fidel Odhiambo (Mathare United)
Stalone Odhiambo (Mathare United), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Samuel Guto (AFC Leopards), Gilbert Abala (Nairobi City Stars), Rogers Obusu (Nairobi City Stars), Eugene Ikutwa (Bidco United), Victor Kunyili (Bidco United), Alex Kipruto (FC Talanta), Robert Mutie (FC Talanta), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Meshack Nyabinge (Sofapaka), Jack Onganya (Sofapaka), Derrick Khaemba (Sofapaka), Miguel Osotsi (Sofapaka), Charles Junior (Sofapaka), Sydney Otieno (Sofapaka), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Wayne Dalvin (Sofapaka), Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United), Brian Sifa (Nairobi United), Hakim Chumbe (Nairobi United), Bernard Ouma (Nairobi United)
Adrian Oloo (Nairobi United), Isaac Omweri (Nairobi United), Duncan Omala (Nairobi United), Joshua Keya (Kibera Blackstars), Randy Nagide (Water Works), Jennings Odhiambo (Water Works), Humphrey Onyango (Kariobangi Legends), Robby Mangi (Kariobangi Legends), Adrian Origi (Bongonaya), Wycliff Oduor (Naivas), Telana Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars)Brian Emillio (Ulinzi Stars)Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars)
Joseph Omuse (Ulinzi Stars), Lucas Maina (Murang’a Seal), Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal), Tyrone Kariuki (KCB FC), Manzur Okwaro (KCB FC), Irad Mushindi (KCB FC), William Gitama (Bandari), Izzadin Mohammed (Bandari), Delphine Omuri (Shabana), Austin Odongo (Shabana), Lawrence Okoth (Shabana), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Kevin Wangaya