Rising Stars land in Cairo, eye AFCON breakthrough on debut

Kenya’s U-20 national team, the Rising Stars, have arrived in Cairo, Egypt, ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament set for April 27-May 18.

Kenya will kick off their campaign against Morocco on May 1, face Tunisia three days later, and wrap up the group stage against Nigeria on May 7.

Salim Babu’s side secured their AFCON slot after finishing second at the CECAFA U20 qualifiers last October.

They will now need a top-two finish in their group, dubbed the “Group of Death”, to advance to the quarter-finals.

They will be joined by the two best third-placed teams, with the four semi-finalists earning tickets to represent Africa at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

With a 26-man squad in tow, Babu is banking on a strong start and a spirited showing in their first-ever appearance at the continental showpiece.

Final Squad

Kevin Oduor, Wycliford Oduor, Benard Jairo

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

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

Lawrence Ouma, Oliver Machaka, Mark Shaban