Kibet and Kenya's Rising Stars ready for AFCON U20 CECAFA test in Tanzania

Aldrine Kibet enjoys a light moment during a past training session with Rising Stars.[FKF Media]

Aldrine Kibet will lead Kenya's Rising Stars as they gear up for the AFCON U20 CECAFA Qualifiers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from October 6 to 20.

Kibet, one of the standout performers in last year's CECAFA U18 Boys Championship, has been entrusted with the captaincy as Kenya aims to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON U20 tournament.

His leadership and attacking prowess will be pivotal as the Rising Stars face off against regional powerhouses.

Head coach Salim Babu announced the final 20-man squad following an intense period of training and evaluations.

The selected team is a balanced mix of experience and fresh talent, honed through a series of build-up matches. Babu expressed confidence in the squad's ability to compete, emphasizing that their preparation has been meticulous.

"Our preparations have been detailed and thorough," said Babu. "The boys have shown great resilience and commitment, and I believe we have assembled a squad capable of making the nation proud. The qualifiers will be tough, but we are ready to give it our all."

Kibet, along with 10 other players in the squad, was part of the 2023 CECAFA U18 Boys Championship, highlighting Kenya's consistent investment in nurturing young football talent.

Notable players from that tournament, such as Amos Wanjala, Tyron Kariuki, and Ibrahim Wanzala, will once again don national team colors, providing experience and continuity as they head into the qualifiers.

Hassan Beja and William Gitamu also secured their places after impressive performances during the 2024 COSAFA tournament. Their inclusion adds depth to the team as Kenya prepares to navigate a challenging Group A, which features hosts Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti.

New faces in the squad include Kelly Madada, Lawrence Okoth, Jackson Imbiakha, Phabian Sheldon, and Rodgers Obusu, all of whom are making their debuts for the national team.

These fresh talents bring energy and ambition to the Rising Stars, complementing the experience of the more seasoned players.

The team is scheduled to depart for Tanzania on Friday, October 5, 2024, just a day before the tournament's opening match. Kenya's group, seen as one of the more competitive, will require Kibet and his teammates to be at their best from the very start.

Kenya's final squad features a strong blend of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower.

Goalkeepers Ibrahim Wanzala and Joshua Keya will provide last-line protection, while defenders like Baron Ochieng, Manzur Suleiman, and Joseph Bate will ensure stability at the back.

In midfield, Tyron Kariuki and Kelly Madada will be central to controlling play, while forwards such as Andres Odhiambo, Kevin Wanganya, and Kibet himself will lead the goal-scoring charge.

Kenya's Rising Stars will need to capitalize on their experience and talent to overcome regional rivals and book their place in the AFCON U20 tournament.

Kenya's Final Squad for the AFCON U20 CECAFA Qualifiers:

Goalkeepers:
Ibrahim Wanzala, Joshua Keya

Defenders:
Baron Ochieng, Manzur Suleiman, Jackson Imbiakha, Joseph Bate, Amos Wanjala, Rodgers Obusu

Midfielders:
Stanley Wilson, Tyron Kariuki, Kelly Madada, William Gitamu, Phabian Sheldon

Forwards:
Louise Ingavi, Andres Odhiambo, Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wanganya, Hassan Beja, Dalphene Ezekiah, Lawrence Okoth