U20 AFCON: Kenya’s Rising Stars going to compete and leave mark in Egypt - Babu

Photo Credit - Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Media.

Kenya national U20 Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu has revealed their readiness to face top teams at the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to run from April 27 to May 18, 2025, in Egypt.

Rising Stars secured their spot through the CECAFA qualifiers and are now gearing up to compete among Africa’s elite youth sides. The tournament will feature 13 nations battling for continental supremacy and four qualification spots to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025.

Kenya has been drawn into a competitive Group B alongside Morocco, Tunisia, and Nigeria. Reacting to the draw, Babu remained positive about his team’s prospects despite the challenge ahead.

“We acknowledge that we’re in a highly competitive group, but we also understand that to become champions, you must be ready to face the best,” said Babu. “Our focus is on thorough preparation to give ourselves the best chance of achieving positive results and progressing deep into the tournament.”

On the quality of his squad, he said: “This is a well-rounded and strong squad. I believe the boys have what it takes to compete at the highest level and provide great competition at the U20 AFCON. We are not going just to participate, we are going to compete and make our mark.”

Rising Stars will kick off their campaign against Morocco, before facing Tunisia and wrapping up the group stage with a clash against Nigeria. The tournament will follow a three-group format. Group A contains five teams, while Groups B and C feature four teams each.

The top two teams from each pool, along with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals, with the tournament concluding on May 18th, 2025.

Final Squad;

Goalkeepers; Kevin Oduor, Wycliford Oduor, Benard Jairo.

Defenders; Baron Ochieng, Humphrey Obino, Jackson Imbiakha, Joseph Bate, Manzur Okwaro, Amos Wanjala, Telena Ochieng, Collins Ochieng.

Midfielders; Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian, Irad Mshindi, Humphrey Aroko, Aldrine Kibet, Kelly Madada, Hassan Beja, Ezekiel Omuri, Elly Owande, William Gitama, Javan Omondi, Andreas Odhiambo.

Forwards; Lawrence Ouma, Oliver Machaka, Mark Shaban.