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Kenya’s Under-20 national soccer team, the Rising Stars, are poised to make history as they prepare for their much-awaited return to the continental stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations U-20 tournament in Egypt.
After a colourful send-off by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, the team is ready to endure an odyssey that will see them battle some of Africa’s top youth teams, with their action getting underway on April 27th. So go get a 1xBet promo code on time if you like supporting your team by placing bets.
A historic return and a difficult draw
This year’s AFCON U-20 is Kenya’s first participation in the competition in nearly five decades since 1979. Their qualification alone is a significant achievement, demonstrating the advancements of youth football in the nation and the growing profile of Kenyan talent in the international arena.
The Rising Stars earned their place by taking second position in the CECAFA U-20 regional qualifiers, where they battled against stiff competition before losing by a whisker to Tanzania in the final.
However, the draw has placed Kenya in what is already being called the “Group of Death”—Group B—along with seven-time champions Nigeria, former champions Morocco, and Tunisia. All these sides have a rich pedigree and recent success at youth level, and Kenya’s task will thus be a difficult one.
Squad Selection and Preparations
Head coach Salim Babu has named a 25-man squad that combines local-based players with a strategically selected contingent of foreign-based players. Among the high-profile inclusions are Spain-based defender Amos Wanjala and midfield prodigy Aldrine Kibet, who are both expected to feature prominently. The squad also features players from top Kenyan clubs Kariobangi Sharks, AFC Leopards, and Gor Mahia, who will provide a strong domestic backbone.
Some of the star squad members include:
- Goalkeepers: Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United), Wyclifford Oduor (Bidco United), Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks)
- Defenders: Amos Wanjala (Athletic Club Torrellano, Spain), Collins Ochieng (AC Horsens, Denmark), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka)
- Midfielders: Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Academy, Spain), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars)
- Forwards: Elly Owande (Al-Nasr SC, UAE), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Ezekieh Omuri (Shabana FC)
A few high-profile names from the provisional squad, including Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient, England) and Luis Ingavi (Saginaw Valley State, USA), were omitted as the technical team prioritised team balance and cohesion, especially after the experiences of the CECAFA qualifiers.
Before heading out to Egypt, there will be a 10-day high-performance training camp in Morocco for the Rising Stars. The reason for this is so that the team can acclimatize to North African conditions as well as fine-tune their strategy ahead of their opening match against Morocco on May 1st.
Facing the challenge head-on
Despite the hard group, spirits are high in the Kenyan camp and defiant. Assistant captain Baron Ochieng was optimistic, stating the team welcomed the challenge and could not wait to test themselves against the best of Africa. The team’s friendlies have highlighted areas they must work on, primarily at the back, but also shown how dangerous they are when going forward with wins over Ulinzi Stars and Kenya Police Youth.
Coach Salim Babu has made it very clear: the goal is the semifinals, where Kenya can secure a place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. With only group winners and runners-up, as well as the two best third-placed teams, qualifying for the quarterfinals, every match will be crucial.
What to look out for
- Opening Match: Kenya vs. Morocco, May 1st. A positive start could just set the tone for the campaign.
- Defensive Organization: The team must tighten their defense to be capable of handling Nigeria and Morocco’s attacking prowess.
- Key Players: Watch out for Aldrine Kibet’s creativity in the midfield and Amos Wanjala’s experience in defense.
- Squad Depth: The blend of local and foreign-based players offers versatility, but squad cohesion will be tested by top-class opposition.
Kenya’s Rising Stars are carrying the hopes of an entire new generation of famous footballers. Their progress in Egypt will be watched eagerly by supporters across Kenya, who will be waiting to see if their team can hold its own against Africa’s best and, maybe, become the first to book a World Cup place.
To the Kenyan football supporter, this tournament is an indication of how much youth development has progressed and a glimpse of a future that looks bright for the national game. The work ethic, attitude, and hunger of the Rising Stars have already given a nation hope. Now begins the hard work.
