Kenya’s Rising Stars are set to face a stern test at the 2025 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being drawn in a challenging Group B. The draw, conducted in Cairo, Egypt, has placed Kenya alongside some of the continent’s football heavyweights, making their campaign one to watch closely.
Group B includes three-time champions Nigeria, 1997 titleholders Morocco, and Tunisia—all of whom have rich histories in African football. This will be Kenya’s return to the U20 AFCON stage, and the Rising Stars face a tough assignment in their bid to make a mark at the continental event.
The tournament is scheduled to run from April 26 to May 18 and will be hosted across several venues in Egypt. Kenya secured their place in the tournament after reaching the final of the CECAFA regional qualifiers held in Dar es Salaam in October 2024. Although they lost 2-1 to Tanzania in the final, both teams booked their tickets to Egypt by virtue of reaching the final.
For Kenya, this group draw means facing off against seasoned sides with strong youth development systems. Nigeria have consistently produced top talents who have gone on to represent the senior Super Eagles side, while Morocco and Tunisia bring technical discipline and tournament experience. The Rising Stars will have to be at their very best to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.
Group A will see hosts Egypt joined by Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and fellow CECAFA representatives Tanzania. Egypt, with the advantage of home support, are favorites to advance, while South Africa and Zambia are also formidable opponents in the youth football scene.
Group C features defending champions Senegal, who have become a powerhouse at youth level in recent years. They are joined by the Central African Republic, DR Congo, and Ghana in what is arguably the most evenly matched group.
The tournament format will see the top two teams in each group advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams across the three groups. This format allows for fierce competition and rewards strong group-stage performances, even from teams that may not finish in the top two of their group.
Beyond continental glory, the stakes are even higher. The four semi-finalists at this year’s AFCON U20 tournament will qualify for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19. For Kenya, this presents a historic opportunity to feature on the global stage, provided they can navigate the tough group phase.
With a final squad that includes rising talents like Aldrine Kibet and Amos Wanjala, the Rising Stars will be counting on youthful exuberance, tactical discipline, and strong team spirit. The technical bench will also play a crucial role in guiding the team through high-pressure matches against more experienced opposition.
As the tournament draws near, all eyes will be on Egypt to see which emerging African stars shine the brightest. For Kenya, the challenge is clear, but so is the opportunity to write a new chapter in their football history.
