This month, the narrative of Kenya’s Rising Stars takes an exhilarating twist, riding on the tidal wave of excitement and anticipation as they gear up for the prestigious 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. With the tournament spotlight blaring, the under-20 national team faces a challenging path, drawn against formidable adversaries in a reshuffled Group B featuring Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
The unexpected draw reshuffle
Originally, the Kenyan U20 team found themselves in what could be considered a manageable group, alongside Sierra Leone, Zambia, and defending champions Senegal. However, the dynamics flipped following Cote d’Ivoire’s withdrawal as hosts, which led to a redraw in Cairo. This unexpected reshuffle tossed the Rising Stars into what many are calling the ‘group of death.’ Despite this, assistant coach Anthony Akhulia maintains that Kenya is unshaken and ready. “Whether we were to face these giants in the group or later in the tournament, our goal is unwavering — to progress and shine,” he affirmed during a training session.
Intensive training camp in Morocco
As part of their meticulous preparation, the Rising Stars will embark on a crucial 10-day training camp in Morocco on April 16. This camp is envisioned as a critical component of their preparatory strategy to acclimate to North African conditions similar to those in Egypt. Head coach Salim Babu emphasizes the role of this camp in refining tactics and building team cohesion. “Morocco’s climate is akin to Egypt’s, offering us the opportunity to acclimatize and polish finer tactical details,” said Babu, highlighting the importance of simulating the tournament conditions.
| CASINO | BONUS | INFO | RATING | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
bonus
New players get free spins and freebet!
See 5 Bonuses
|
info
Good combination of online casino and betting platform |
|
||
|
bonus
100% up to 19000 KSH on your first deposit
See 7 Bonuses
|
info
A simple way to start playing |
|
||
|
bonus
Welcome package up to 190000 KES + 150 FS
See 12 Bonuses
|
info
A wide range of bonuses |
|
Mood in the camp and motivational backing
The atmosphere among the players is nothing short of electric. With both local and foreign-based talents like Amos Wanjala yet to join, there’s palpable excitement, charged by the support from all corners — notably from President William Ruto. In a heartfelt send-off at State House, President Ruto galvanized the team with a promise to provide unwavering governmental backing and to personally support them from the stands, should they reach the final.
“Make the finals and I’ll cheer you on in person. You carry the pride of a nation,” President Ruto declared, further bolstering the morale of the Rising Stars.
A formidable yet promising squad
Salim Babu has already unveiled the final 26-man squad, blending the energy and enthusiasm of youthful local players with the grit and experience of foreign-based stars. Key players include goalkeepers Kevin Oduor, Wycliford Oduor, and Bernard Jairo; defenders like Baron Ochieng and Manzu Okwaro; influential midfielders such as Aldrine Kibet and Irad Mshindi; and forwards including the promising Lawrence Ouma and Oliver Machaka. The technical team took care in assembling a balanced side capable of competing on the grandest stage.
Grasping for greatness
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Kenya in this biennial spectacle. With the opportunity to qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile awaiting the top four teams, Kenya’s campaign extends beyond the group stages of the U20 AFCON. The Rising Stars’ journey to this moment is highlighted by their remarkable performance in the CECAFA qualifiers, where they finished second, underscoring their potential to rise to the occasion against Africa’s elite.
As kick-off approaches, eyes will be glued to their opening showdown against Morocco on May 1. This match not only sets the tone but could be pivotal in fueling their quest for excellence and recognition on the continental stage. Indeed, the Rising Stars are poised to etch their names in history by showing they can hold their own in a highly competitive field.
