Emerging Stars head coach Anthony 'Modo' Kimani has named a 41-man provisional squad for the upcoming U23 Africa Cup of Nations first-round qualifying matches against Tanzania.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Emerging Stars will host Tanzania in the first leg at Nyayo Stadium on Monday, 28 September, before travelling for the return leg on Tuesday, 6 October. Kenya will be hoping to secure a positive result at home before the decisive second leg.Pyramids coach gives candid assessment of Gor Mahia squad after humbling themThe two-legged tie will mark the beginning of Kenya's journey towards the 2027 U23 AFCON finals in Egypt, which will also serve as part of Africa's qualification pathway to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Egypt have already secured automatic qualification as hosts, with seven other nations set to qualify through the qualifiers.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962325##Kimani’s squad is predominantly made up of players from the Kenya U20 team that featured at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, as he looks to build on the young side’s experience at continental level.Among those retained from the U20 continental squad are Kenya Police goalkeeper Kevin Oduor, Jackson Imbiakha, Tusker defender Collins Ochieng, Shabana's Humphrey Obina, Nairobi United midfielder Kevin Wangaya, AFC Leopards' Kelly Madada, Celta Vigo's Aldrine Kibet, Irad Mshindi, Andreas Odhiambo, Humphrey Aroko, Migori Youth forward Elly Owande, Bandari's Lawrence Okoth and Kenya Police's Oliver Machaka.Millions Gor Mahia will bank despite humiliating exit from CAF Champions LeagueThe U20 cohort is complemented by several notable names, including Celta Vigo's highly-rated Kibet, ADO Den Haag goalkeeper Caleb Kramer, former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder Odhiambo, former Sofapaka and KCB youngster Jack Onganya now with Cadiz, Irad Mshindi of Lleida, MK Dons' Brooklyn Kazungu, Enköpings SK's Paul Osama, Emmanuel Osoro of Power Dynamos and former Kakamega Homeboyz attacker Henry Omollo, now at Mufulira Wanderers.Madada, Machaka and Aroko are also among the players expected to provide valuable experience, having been part of Kenya's U20 campaign in Egypt. The trio featured in the final U20 squad, with Madada and Aroko operating in midfield and Machaka providing an attacking option.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962404##Locally, Gor Mahia and Nairobi United provide the biggest representation with three players each. Gor's contingent comprises Bryton Onyona, Paul Ochuoga and Paul Okoth, while Nairobi United have Wycliffe Omondi, Kevin Wangaya and Dan Omalla.Kariobangi Sharks, Kakamega Homeboyz and Migori Youth each have two representatives. Sharks have Faiz Opande and goalkeeper Collins Omondi, Homeboyz have Ibrahim Wanzala and Thomas Omolle, while Migori Youth are represented by Elly Owande and Francis Memusi Siololo.Gor Mahia coach infuriated by trio after costly error in Pyramids FC clashShould Kenya eliminate Tanzania, they will face Côte d'Ivoire in the second qualifying round. The second-round opening and return legs are scheduled for Monday, 9 and Tuesday, 17 November, respectively.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962364##Kimani, who also serves as assistant coach of Harambee Stars under Benni McCarthy, will now look to blend the returning U20 players with the new faces as Kenya seeks to progress through a qualifying route that could finally deliver the country a maiden U23 AFCON appearance.Full squadGoalkeepersCaleb Kramer, Mateo Buyu, Collins Omondi, Kevin Oduor, Ibrahim WanzalaDefendersShariff Majabe, Bryton Onyona, Amatton Samunya, Jackson Imbiakha, Robinson Musungu, Brian Nyongesa, Denzel Omollo, Humphrey Obina, Wycliff Omondi, Paul Ochuoga, Tony Musa, Miguel Osotsi, Collins OchiengMidfieldersAldrine Kibet, Kevin Wangaya, Kelly Madada, Humphrey Aroko, Andres Odhiambo, Irad Mshindi, Denzel Omollo, Humphrey Obina, Wycliff Omondi, Jack Onganya, Ateek Omar, Oliver Machaka, Isaac Omweri, Faiz OpandeForwardsBrooklyn Kazungu, Lawrence Okoth, Sigmunn Maina, Paul Osama, Memuse Siololo, Paul Okoth, Collins Okello, Dan Omalla, Elly Owande, Emmanuel Osoro, Thomas Omolle, Adrian Oloo, Henry Omollo
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