Wanjala benched as Babu names Rising Stars team for AFCON match against Nigeria
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 07.05.25. | 17:05
Shabana winger Ezekiel Omuri will finally make his debut in the tournament after securing a place in the first team
Captain Amos Wanjala is among the influential players who have been benched ahead of Rising Stars' final U20 Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash against Nigeria at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
Joining Wanjala on the substitutes' bench for the 6pm (East African Time) match is his first assistant and right back Baron Ochieng, whose place has been taken up by Humphrey Obino.
Jackson Imbiakha will partner with Joseph Bate at the heart of the defence, with Manzur Suleiman Okwaro retaining his place at left back.
Okwaro, a natural centre back, was pushed to the flanks due to the unavailability of first choice left back Telena Ochieng, who is nursing a knee knock.
Other new faces in the starting team is defensive midfielder Irad Mushindi, who has been tasked with shielding the back line and helping Kevin Wangaya in carrying the ball forward.
The introduction of Mashindi means that Andreas Odhiambo, who has been Wangaya's partner in the past two matches x drops to the bench.
Further, the presence of Mushindi will see Wangaya take an advanced position on the pitch unlike in the last two assignments, where he played deep in midfield.
Shabana winger Ezekiel Omuri has also earned his first start and debut in the tournament.
He starts ahead of Javan Omondi and Elly Owande, who were largely used against Tunisia and Morocco.
Playmaker Aldrine Kibet, left winger Hassan Beja and forward Lawrence Ouma have retained their places in the team.
Wyclifford Oduor also keeps his place in between the sticks, with Kevin Oduor offering option from the bench.
There are no places in the team for Telena and first choice goalkeeper Benard Jairo. The duo are still nursing the injuries picked in camp.
Rising Stars XI
Wyclifford Oduor, Humphrey Obino, Jackson Imbiakha, Joseph Bate, Manzur Suleiman Okwaro, Irad Mushindi, Kevin Wangaya, Aldrine Kibet, Hassan Beja, Ezekiel Omuri, Lawrence Ouma
