Kenya U20 captain Amos Wanjala has reached a significant milestone with his first-ever call-up to the Harambee Stars senior team. Coach Engin Firat named Wanjala among the 23-man squad for the last two matches of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, where Kenya will face Zimbabwe and Namibia. Wanjala’s call-up is a testament to his impressive rise through the youth ranks, bringing his defensive skills and leadership abilities to a team focused on securing a place in the AFCON tournament.
What’s At Stake , Kenya’s Path to Qualification
Kenya currently stands third in Group J with 4 points, behind leaders Cameroon (10 points) and Zimbabwe (8 points). Both matches are crucial for Kenya’s qualification hopes, as only the top two teams from each group advance. Both fixtures will be held at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, with Kenya facing Zimbabwe on November 15 and Namibia on November 19.
Kenya’s Final 23-man Squad
Coach Firat’s 23-man squad balances experience with emerging talent, including captain Michael Olunga, a seasoned forward, and young defender Wanjala, who now has the chance to make his senior team debut. Below is the full squad list:
Goalkeepers
– Byrne Odhiambo
– Faruk Shikhalo
– Ian Otieno
Defenders
– Daniel Anyembe
– Amos Wanjala
– Amos Nondi
– Joseph Okumu
– Johnstone Omurwa
– Charles Momanyi
– Eric Ouma
– Abud Omar
Midfielders
– Anthony Akumu
– Marvin Nabwire
– Duke Abuya
– Timothy Ouma
– Richard Odada
– Austine Odhiambo
– Ronney Onyango
– Alfred Scriven
– Leshan Mootian
– Adam Wilson
Forwards
– Michael Olunga
– Jonah Ayunga
– John Avire
Zimbabwe and Namibia Squads: Strong Competition
Kenya will face stiff competition, with both Zimbabwe and Namibia fielding strong squads for these qualifiers.
New Faces in the Harambee Stars
Kenya Police Midfielder Marvin Nabwire ,Ulinzi Stars Leshan Mootian and Tusker Captain Charles Momanyi who were part of the squad that got eliminated from Chan qualifiers have made it to the squad and will be participating in Afcon qualifiers for the first time.Farouk Shikalo also returns replacing Patrick Matasi
Key Players Missing out
Kenya Police Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi who has been a regular figure for the national team has missed out the final traveling squad to South Africa, Gor Mahia center back Alphonse Omija misses out as he’s sidelined through an injury picked up during Chan qualifiers.Another defender Sylvester Owino who has been a key figure for the Engin Firat coached side is also not part of the final squad
Zimbabwe Provisional Squad
– Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Martin Mapisa (Dynamos)
– Defenders: Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Jordan Zemura (Udinese)
– Midfielders: Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum)
– Forwards: Tinotenda Kadewere (FC Nantes), Khama Billiat (Yadah FC), Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora), Prince Dube (Young Africans), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Walter Musona (Simba Bhora), Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City)
Zimbabwe’s squad features experienced players like Marvelous Nakamba of Luton Town and Khama Billiat of Yadah FC. Their lineup, bolstered by international experience, is anticipated to be a challenging opponent for Kenya.
Namibia Squad
– Goalkeepers: Loydt Kazapua, Edward Maova, Kamaijanda Ndisiro
– Defenders: Charles Hambira, Tuli Nashixwa, Kennedy Eib, Ngero Katua, Riaan Hanamub, Ivan Kamberipa, Vitapi Ngaruka, Arend Abubakir, Sergio Damaseb, David Aingwafa
– Midfielders: Approcius Petrus, Moses Shidolo, Devin Somseb, Mbakonda Tjahikika, Paulus Amutenya, Deon Hotto, Godwin Eiseb, Lawrence Doeseb, Prins Tjiueza
– Forwards: Fares Haidula, Elmo Kambindu, Betuel Muzeu, Rewaldo Prins, Peter Shalulile, Willy Stephanus
Namibia’s squad also presents a formidable challenge, led by forward Peter Shalulile and supported by a balanced defensive and midfield lineup. Shalulile, known for his goal-scoring prowess, is expected to lead Namibia’s attacking efforts.
Wanjala’s Rapid Rise and Key Role
Amos Wanjala’s call-up highlights the defender’s rapid ascent in Kenyan football. From captaining St.Antony Boy’s Kitale to national secondary school games football boys title, leading Kenya’s U20 team to Afcon U20 qualification.The Athletic Tollerrano defender also led Kenya U18 team to a runner up finish in the CECAFA U18 tournament last year and was a key feature for Kenya U23 side in the Cosafa Cup. Now, he will have the opportunity to make an impact at the senior level, with the hope that his youthful energy will blend seamlessly with the experience of seasoned teammates like Olunga.
As Kenya heads into these critical qualifiers, fans are hopeful that the mix of experienced players and promising newcomers will propel the team to success as Kenya is coming off a setting the stage for Kenya’s continued progress in African football.