As the dust settles on the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, Kenya’s Rising Stars have every reason to be proud. Their historic debut on the continental stage was not merely about participation—it was a bold statement of intent and growth.
The team’s journey is a testament to the strength of Kenya’s rapidly developing youth football system.
This U20 squad built upon the foundation laid during the 2023 CECAFA U18 Boys Championship in Kisumu and Kakamega, where they finished as runners-up.
That strong performance carried over into the U20 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers in Tanzania, where they once again reached the final, narrowly losing to the hosts.
For head coach Salim Babu, the AFCON debut was a critical step in the team’s evolution.
“The tournament was a huge learning curve for us,” said Babu. “But more importantly, it proved that our players are capable of competing at the highest level. The character, the goals, the fight—it all showed that the future is very bright for Kenyan football.”
Despite facing some of Africa’s top footballing nations, the Rising Stars held their own. Leading the attack was Lawrence Okoth, who scored twice with impressive composure and positioning.
Beja Hassan was a constant threat, netting two goals and providing an assist while using his pace and movement to unsettle defenders.
In defense, Manzur Okwaro anchored the backline with calm authority. His tactical awareness and excellent timing made him a standout performer throughout the tournament.
Midfield maestro Kevin Wangaya pulled the strings in the middle of the park, creating opportunities with his vision and dictating the tempo of play.
For the Rising Stars, this campaign wasn’t solely about wins and losses—it was about learning, evolving, and laying the foundation for future success. Kenya’s U20s proved they belong on Africa’s biggest youth stage, and their performance underscored the growing potential within the country’s football development programs.
The Rising Stars may be newcomers at this level, but their message was clear: Kenya is ready to rise.
