The journey of Kenya’s Rising Stars in the CECAFA U-20 AFCON qualifiers came with moments of both triumph and heartbreak. Despite falling short to Tanzania in the final, Kenya’s qualification for the 2025 U-20 AFCON stood out as a historic achievement. Central to this success was midfielder Kelvin Wangaya, whose performances elevated him to the forefront of the team’s campaign in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Wangaya’s impact extended beyond mere statistics his on-field intelligence, creativity, and leadership in the absence of key players helped drive Kenya’s qualification hopes to fruition.
Wangaya’s Role in Kenya’s Midfield
Wangaya made an immediate impression during the qualifiers, scoring four goals and providing a crucial assist, demonstrating his dual role as a goal scorer and creator. His ability to influence play from midfield became a key feature for Kenya throughout the tournament. Operating from deep positions, he not only disrupted opposition plays but also initiated forward movements with precision. His technical prowess allowed him to turn quickly under pressure, evade defenders, and launch attacks, giving Kenya a creative edge.
The Rising Stars’ style of play during the tournament heavily relied on Wangaya’s ability to control the tempo. Whether by breaking the opposition’s press or switching play with long-range passes, Wangaya exhibited attributes reminiscent of some of Europe’s most refined midfielders. His composure on the ball earned comparisons to former Spain and Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas, highlighting his unique blend of vision, intelligence, and calm decision-making.
The Impact of Stanley Wilson’s Absence
Wangaya’s rise to prominence became even more significant due to the unexpected absence of Stanley Wilson, a talented midfielder plying his trade at AIK in Sweden. Wilson had initially been expected to join the Kenyan squad but was unavailable due to club commitments. The absence of Wilson left head coach Salim Babu with a challenge, one that Wangaya not only met but surpassed.
With Wilson sidelined, Babu turned to Wangaya, and the midfielder embraced the responsibility with confidence. His ability to orchestrate the midfield gave the Rising Stars balance and structure, providing a creative spark they desperately needed. Wangaya’s performances proved to be a revelation, underscoring his readiness to step into the limelight.
A Historic Qualification Despite the Final Loss
Although Kenya’s journey ended with a narrow 2-1 loss to Tanzania in the final, the tournament was a resounding success for the Rising Stars. The team demonstrated resilience and tactical maturity throughout the competition, qualities that will serve them well at the U-20 AFCON in 2025. Despite the disappointment of losing in front of a packed KMC Stadium, the players earned praise for their efforts.
Wangaya was instrumental in helping Kenya achieve only their second-ever U-20 AFCON qualification, setting himself up as a central figure in the squad. His presence ensured that Kenya’s midfield remained competitive and fluid, laying the foundation for what promises to be a bright future for the national team.
Tactical Depth and the Future of the Midfield
Wangaya’s emergence offers Kenya a new dimension in midfield. With his ability to operate as both a playmaker and a box-to-box presence, the team now has more flexibility when planning for future tournaments. His performances also provide depth to the squad, giving the coaches more options when Stanley Wilson returns to the fold.
The prospect of having both Wilson and Wangaya in the same midfield is an exciting one for Kenya. Their different playing styles Wilson’s defensive solidity and Wangaya’s attacking creativity could complement each other perfectly, providing the team with balance and tactical versatility. Assistant coach Anthony Akhulia expressed confidence in the potential combination, stating that with Wangaya on board, the Rising Stars have taken a step forward in their development.
Lessons from the CECAFA Tournament
The CECAFA qualifiers offered several key lessons for Kenya as they look ahead to the U-20 AFCON. The tournament revealed the team’s capacity to adapt under pressure, as evidenced by their performances despite missing key players like Wilson. It also showcased the depth of talent available in the squad, with younger players like Wangaya stepping up when needed most.
The loss to Tanzania in the final was a reminder of the need for greater consistency, particularly in managing leads. Despite controlling much of the game, Kenya conceded two late goals, underscoring the importance of maintaining focus throughout. However, the team’s overall performance during the tournament highlighted their potential, giving fans reason to be optimistic about the future.
The Path Ahead for Wangaya and the Rising Stars
Looking ahead to the U-20 AFCON, Wangaya’s role in the squad will be pivotal. His ability to dictate play and link the defense with the attack makes him a crucial part of the team’s strategy. As the Rising Stars prepare for the continental showpiece, Wangaya will need to maintain his form and continue refining his game. His performances during the CECAFA qualifiers have undoubtedly raised expectations, both from fans and coaches.
The tournament also served as a platform for Wangaya to demonstrate his readiness for even higher levels of competition. Playing in Albania has provided him with valuable experience, and his exposure to European football will further enhance his development. If he continues on this trajectory, Wangaya could soon become a key player for Kenya’s senior national team.
Building Momentum for the U-20 AFCON
With the CECAFA qualifiers now behind them, the focus shifts to building momentum for the U-20 AFCON. The Rising Stars have shown that they have the talent and determination to compete at the highest level, but there is still work to be done. Fine-tuning the team’s tactical approach, improving defensive solidity, and managing game situations will be crucial as they prepare to face tougher opposition in the continental tournament.
The return of players like Wilson will further strengthen the squad, adding experience and depth to the midfield. However, the emergence of Wangaya ensures that the team is not overly reliant on any one player. The competition for places in midfield will also push the players to raise their standards, creating a healthy environment for growth.
Conclusion
Kelvin Wangaya’s performances at the CECAFA U-20 AFCON qualifiers have marked him as one of the brightest prospects in Kenyan football. His ability to control games from midfield, combined with his technical skills and leadership, make him a vital asset for the Rising Stars. As Kenya prepares for the 2025 U-20 AFCON, Wangaya’s role will be central to the team’s ambitions.
The Rising Stars’ qualification for the U-20 AFCON is a testament to the progress the team has made under the guidance of head coach Salim Babu and his technical staff. While the loss to Tanzania in the final was a setback, the future remains bright for the team. With players like Wangaya stepping up and new talents emerging, Kenya has every reason to be optimistic about their prospects at the U-20 AFCON and beyond.
The journey to the continental tournament will undoubtedly come with challenges, but with Wangaya leading the charge, the Rising Stars are well-positioned to make a significant impact.
