Aldrine Kibet Returns as Anthony Kimani Unveils Kenya U23 Squad

Anthony Kimani has named a 37-player provisional squad as Kenya prepare for their next hurdle in the race to qualify for the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations.

The selection brings together players from the Kenyan league and clubs abroad, with several footballers joining the group that knocked out Tanzania in the previous round.

Aldrine Kibet is among the biggest inclusions.

The Celta Vigo forward was unavailable for the Tanzania fixtures as he awaited completion of his work permit in Spain.

Midfielder Humphrey Aroko also features after recovering from an injury that ruled him out of the earlier assignment.

Kimani has further called up Jack Steel, who plays for St. Bonaventure, alongside Emmanuel Osoro of Power Dynamos, Javan Ochieng of Hickory and Colin Akeno of Manglerud Star.

The goalkeeping department has two additional options in Bernard Jairo of Nairobi United and Kevin Oduor of Kenya Police.

Jackson Imbiakha of Kakamega Homeboyz and Nairobi United midfielder Mark Kithome are also part of the provisional group.

Kenya progressed from the first round with a 5-4 aggregate victory over Tanzania.

Their next opponents, Ivory Coast, will provide the test in a two-match contest scheduled for November.

The first meeting is set for Nyayo National Stadium on November 11, with Kenya travelling to Abidjan for the return leg at Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny six days later.

The team that advances will face either Tunisia or Benin in the final qualifying round.

A successful campaign would secure Kenya a place at the 2027 tournament in Egypt.

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