Kenya U20 men’s national team, coach Salim Babu and
his technical bench entered day two of their three-day scouting minicamp at Moi International Stadium Kasarani.
The City Stars coach spearheads the exercise deputized
by Bidco tactician Anthony Akhulia.
They will take 40 players through their paces in
preparation for the upcoming AFCON U20 tournament, scheduled for April 26 to
May 18, 2025, in Ivory Coast.
The initial phase of this camp focuses on identifying
talents predominantly from Nairobi and its environs as the technical bench
seeks to strengthen the squad ahead of the continental showpiece.
Babu and his bench will give new young players the
opportunity to showcase their potential and the chance for selection into the
final squad, ahead of the competitive AFCON U20 tournament.
“We have players from the top tier FKF premier league
sides, the NSL and other lower tier leagues mostly from Nairobi and around, and
we will also bring players from Europe. We want to cast our nets wide to ensure
we get the best to ensure we perform
well in the tournament,” said Babu
The second scouting minicamp will take place from
Monday, March 3 to Wednesday, March 5, 2025, targeting players as they continue
the talent identification process across different regions.
Babu says the trials will play a big part in shaping
the squad that will eventually represent the country.
Kenya led by captain
Amos Wanjala who plays for
Spanish lower tier side Athletic
Torrellano fell 1-0 to host Tanzania in
the Cecafa finals in Dar es Salaam in October, 20th 2024 last year,
to clinch the continental ticket.
Kenya will face champions Senegal, Zambia and Sierra
Leone in a tough group C at the tournament set for April 26 – May 18, in Ivory
Coast
“We are targeting a top-two finish in our group, en
route to the knockout stage and the semifinals. The World Cup ticket is at stake and we will do everything
possible to reach our maiden international tournament,” Babu said
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the
quarter-finals along with the two best third-placed teams.
From there, the tournament will proceed in a knockout
format.
The four semi-finalists will book their place at the FIFA
U-20 World Cup Chile, from September 27 to October 19, 2025
