Probable line up: How coach Babu will likely tweak squad following injury to key player
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 01.05.25. | 10:30
Coach Babu is expected to stick to the line up that has been starting in friendly matches
After more than a month in camp in preparations for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON U20) finals, the Kenyan team will finally make its debut tonight against Morocco.
The match will be hosted at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo Egypt from 9pm (East African Time).
From the training sessions and friendly matches hosted in Nairobi before the team flew to Egypt, coach Salim Babu clearly demonstrated a plan and trust in his preferred starting line up.
Mozzart Sport attempts to read Babu's mind and who he will possibly name in the starting line up.
Benard Jairo is expected to keep his place in between the posts with captain Amos Wanjala anchoring the defence.
Wanjala will partner with Manzur Suleiman Okwaro at the heart of the defence with first assistant captain Baron Ochieng operating at right back.
Collins Ochieng will start at left back given that Telena Ochieng has not fully recovered from a knock suffered in the test match against Ghana.
Telena had established himself as the first choice left back and started in all friendly matches, but a knee knock picked up last week will see him either warm the substitutes' bench or watch the proceedings from the stands.
While the rest of players took part in the final training session on Wednesday night, the Ulinzi Stars man was busy with the team's physiotherapist Bonaventure Odire.
Despite the attacking threat posed by Morocco, coach Babu is expected to entrust Kevin Wangaya in shielding the back line as well as dictating play.
At hand to support Wangaya and help in progressing the ball forward will be Andreas Odhiambo whom they have had a solid midfield partnership for a long.
Aldrine Kibet will most likely be deployed at his preferred number ten role, which primarily entails creating chances and keeping the opponents' defensive midfielder busy.
Hassan Beja is expected to keep his place on the left wing with Elly Owande operating from the other flank.
Lawrence Ouma is the man expected to get goals for the team.
Coach Babu will not be short of options from the bench as there will be equally good players to change the game.
Winger Javan Omondi has been impressive when coming off the bench as his Oliver Majaka.
Should Babu need a typical workaholic defensive midfielder and someone who can help see the game out, Brian Emillio Okello will be on standby to get the job done.
Probable Starting XI
Benard Jairo,
Baron Ochieng
Collins Ochieng
Mandir Okwaro
Amos Wanjala
Kevin Wangaya
Andreas Odhiambo
Elly Owande
Hassan Beja
Aldrine Kibet
Lawrence Ouma
Substitutes
Wyclifford Oduor, Kevin Oduor, Joseph Bate, Jackson Imbiakha, Humprey Obino, Brian Okello, Kelly Madada, William Gitamu, Mark Shaban, Irad Mushindi, Javan Omondi, Ezekiel Omuri, Humphrey Aroko
