In the swirling energy of Egypt’s stadiums, the Kenya U-20 AFCON 2025 story unfolded with all the raw emotion and hunger for glory that youth football can muster. While the Rising Stars may have bowed out in the group stages, their debut on this continental platform turned into a showcase of promise and new heroes, led by the dazzling Kevin Wangaya.
The journey in numbers and beyond
Kenya’s maiden appearance at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations wrote an ambitious chapter for a side that had never before tested itself on such a grand scale. The group — a tightrope featuring African powerhouses Morocco, Tunisia, and Nigeria — left no room for hesitation. The Rising Stars suffered a 3-2 loss to Morocco, stumbled 3-1 against Tunisia, and summoned deep reserves to earn a 2-2 draw with Nigeria. These numbers, stark on the surface, conceal the flames of competitive spirit and defensive resilience that burned through every minute.
Kevin Wangaya: From unattached midfielder to tournament standout
Few players embodied Kenya’s hunger more than Kevin Wangaya. The Kakamega High School graduate arrived as the only unattached player in coach Salim Babu’s squad, but left as one of Africa’s most coveted young midfielders. With a goal and an assist over three group matches, Wangaya carved his name onto the list of emerging stars at the U-20 AFCON.
His opening act against Morocco — a well-hit set-piece assist — signaled his intent. Versus Tunisia, he scored inside the opening five minutes, and in the emotionally-charged finale against Nigeria, he converted a penalty with all the composure of a seasoned professional. These contributions were more than mere statistics; they were proof of Wangaya’s ability to command play on both sides of the ball.
A place among Africa’s elite
Wangaya’s performances didn’t just rouse fans back home; they won over the continent’s experts. His inclusion in the CAF Technical Study Group’s official Best XI for the group stage stands as a rare distinction for a Kenyan player. Sharing midfield duties in the team alongside South Africa’s Lazola Maku and Sierra Leone’s top-scorer Momoh Kamara, Wangaya was recognized for both his ball-carrying drive and his tactical adaptability.
With an average match rating of 7.0 across the tournament, he was the only Rising Stars midfielder to both score and assist. Wangaya’s set-piece proficiency and ability to receive under pressure — breaking lines and orchestrating attacks — showcased a technical pedigree reminiscent of the continent’s best.
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Scout attention and bright futures
Kenya’s group-stage exit did nothing to dim the buzz around its top talent. If anything, the spotlight grew more intense. Wangaya is reportedly attracting attention from clubs in Italy, Croatia, Georgia, and Turkey — a testament to the exposure and esteem achieved at AFCON. His camp remains patient, seeking the right move that “will be beneficial before embarking on the process of signing.”
He wasn’t the only one. Baron Ochieng, the Sofapaka defender, reportedly signed a pre-contract with Egyptian giants Pyramids FC, while Aldrine Kibet and Hassan Beja also kindled international agent interest during their stay in Cairo. Four players now sit on the verge of professional breakthroughs abroad — proof that the tournament was a launching pad, not a failure.
Lessons, leadership and learning curves
Amos Wanjala, the team’s captain, didn’t skirt around the disappointment. After costly defensive lapses, he offered a candid, emotional reflection: “We have to correct ourselves because we know we have time. We take the positives about the tournament as well as the negatives, and where necessary, we will correct.”
His words echoed throughout the side. The team fought back from behind against Nigeria, even taking a 2-1 lead before conceding late. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) coordinator Athanas Obala stressed how the experience against Africa’s giants provided invaluable lessons in youth development. Exposure to continental competition, he noted, is the nourishment local football needs to evolve. “With good structures in place, especially from the youth level, we’ll be able to put up a good show in future.”
The road forward
For the Rising Stars, the AFCON was a proving ground. The lack of full-scale international friendlies and late logistical adjustments before the trip were hurdles that could not fully be overcome. But what stood out was the cohesion forged on the pitch and the maturity gained from facing the best.
Coach Salim Babu started building this team during last year’s CECAFA qualifiers, and many players graduated from the U18 ranks. Despite limited preparation, the group’s ability to fight back, adapt, and even outplay traditional heavyweights speaks volumes about their untapped potential and the direction of youth football in Kenya.
Heartbreak, hope, and the human side of sport
As the dust settles on Kenya’s U-20 AFCON journey, the images that linger aren’t of elimination, but of possibility. Kevin Wangaya’s tearful pride, Wanjala’s vow to “fight back,” and the togetherness of Kenya’s next generation — these are the real stories of Cairo. The Rising Stars reminded a nation, and indeed the continent, that the beauty of football lies in the journey as much as the result.
With eyes now set on the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, many players from this campaign are expected to lead the way. Their story is unfinished, their ambitions undimmed. In every setback, there’s a lesson, and in every rising star, the promise of Kenyan football’s better future.
