By Caleb Muoti
Kenya’s Under-20 men’s football team, the Rising Stars, is currently in camp as they prepare for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, set to take place from April 26 to May 18.
This marks the first time the team will participate in the tournament, with their ultimate goal being qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu has expressed his ambitions for the tournament, emphasizing that the team is focused on making history by securing a World Cup spot.
‘‘The momentum in the camp is high, with all players showing their qualities so as to make it in the final squad. We have very talented players, and we expect more players to join us like Amos Wanjala and Andrew Kibet.’’
The Rising Stars have been drawn in Group C, where they will face Sierra Leone, Zambia, and reigning champions Senegal.
Despite the tough competition, Babu remains optimistic about the team’s chances.
‘’We are in a tough group but we have to prepare well and I believe in the players and the technical team,’’ Babu added.
Meanwhile, Rising Stars captain and Sofapaka wing-back Baron Ochieng has shared his thoughts on the upcoming tournament, expressing confidence in the squad’s ability to make a mark on the continental stage.
‘‘We are a young team with a lot of determination and courage. We are going into the tournament, not only to participate, but we are going for the title.’’
As the countdown to the tournament continues, the Rising Stars remain focused on fine-tuning their preparations, with the hope of delivering a strong performance on the continental stage and securing a historic qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
As it stands, Kenya is scheduled to kick off their campaign against Sierra Leone on 1 May before facing Zambia on 4 May.