Kenya U-20 Profile: Rising Stars set sights on debut statement in Egypt
After a commanding qualifying campaign, the East African nation will be looking to carry their momentum into Group B, where they face continental heavyweights Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
The Rising Stars qualified by finishing runners-up at the CECAFA U-20 qualifiers, going unbeaten throughout the tournament and showcasing their attacking flair with 14 goals scored and just one conceded.
A 4-0 win over Burundi in the semi-finals underlined their credentials, and while they fell to Tanzania in the final, their run confirmed Kenya's emergence as a rising force in youth football.
Led by head coach Salim Babu, the team is built on tactical discipline and quick transitions, blending defensive resilience with pace and creativity in attack.
Kenya enters the tournament as underdogs, but with a confident squad and nothing to lose, they will be eager to make their mark on the continental stage.Below is the full profile:
KENYA
Kenya's U-20 Men's National Team, known as the Rising Stars, enters the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations with high hopes following an impressive qualifying run.
Their journey to the continental tournament has been marked by resilience and a hunger for success, and the squad is determined to show their potential on the big stage.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
Kenya secured their spot at the finals by finishing as runners-up in the CECAFA U-20 Qualifiers.
Their road to the finals saw them dominate the competition with a series of excellent performances, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Burundi in the semi-finals.
The Rising Stars went unbeaten throughout the tournament, with four wins and one draw, scoring 14 goals and conceding just one. Despite falling short in the final to Tanzania, their overall display showed the world that Kenya's youth football is on the rise.
HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON
This marks Kenya's first participation in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 AFCON, with the team eager to make an impact at the continental level.
While the Rising Stars are yet to earn silverware in this age category, their consistent development at youth levels suggests that they will be a formidable force in the competition.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Amos Wanjala – The team captain, Wanjala is a leader both on and off the pitch. His vision and passing ability will be crucial in dictating the tempo of Kenya's play.
Manzur Okwaro – A solid presence at the back, Okwaro's leadership and defensive solidity make him one of Kenya's most reliable players.
Ezekiel Omuri – A dynamic forward, Omuri's speed and technical ability make him a constant threat in front of goal. His clinical finishing will be vital in their tournament run.
COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH
The Rising Stars are under the guidance of Salim Babu, the head coach of Nairobi City Stars, who is also overseeing the U-17 and U-18 national teams. Babu's approach is built on an organized defensive structure and quick transitions to attack.
His goal is to create a balanced squad capable of controlling possession while also being effective on counterattacks. The squad's focus will be on maintaining discipline, creativity in midfield, and clinical finishing in the final third.
TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS
Kenya has been drawn into Group B, alongside record seven-time champions Nigeria, former champions Tunisia as well as Morocco. The Rising Stars will have tough encounters across all their group stages and will need to dig deep against their more fancied opponents.
Kenya will need to step up and maintain their unbeaten form to navigate this tough group and progress to the knockout stages. With a mix of experienced players and young talents, the Rising Stars are focused on making a strong statement at this year's TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON.
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