The Kenya U20 Men’s National Team, popularly known as the Rising Stars, has made a decisive change to its pre-tournament plans for the upcoming TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Initially set to hold a training camp in Morocco, the team will now travel straight to Cairo, Egypt, on Monday, April 21, 2025, in a strategic shift aimed at optimizing tournament readiness and avoiding potential competitive disadvantages.
This decision comes in the wake of the tournament draw that placed Kenya in a challenging Group B, alongside North African heavyweights Morocco and Tunisia, as well as seven-time champions Nigeria. With Morocco now a direct group opponent, the initial idea of preparing in their backyard was abandoned to prevent any tactical exposure. The Rising Stars will instead focus on fine-tuning their strategies in Cairo, closer to the match venues and with minimal distractions.
Group B: A True Test
The draw has set up a daunting campaign for the Rising Stars. Their group rivals bring immense pedigree to the tournament:
- Morocco: One of the continent’s most formidable sides, Morocco will offer a stern opening test.
- Tunisia: Known for their tactical discipline and structured play, Tunisia presents a different kind of challenge.
- Nigeria: A dominant force in African youth football, Nigeria’s U20 side boasts seven previous AFCON titles and remains the favorite to top the group.
Kenya will kick off their tournament on Thursday, May 1, at 10:00 PM EAT against Morocco at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium. Their second match comes against Tunisia on Sunday, May 4, at 7:00 PM EAT, followed by the group stage finale against Nigeria on Wednesday, May 7, at 7:00 PM EAT. All matches will be held at the same venue, providing some logistical consistency for the squad.
Squad and Preparations
Head coach Salim Babu has announced his final 25-man squad for the tournament, blending promising local talent with a select group of foreign-based players. Notably, Spain-based defender Amos Wanjala and exciting midfield prospect Aldrine Kibet will bring international experience to the team. Several notable omissions were made to preserve squad chemistry and maintain the tactical structure developed during the CECAFA U20 qualifiers, where Kenya impressed with a composed and energetic display.
Initially, preparations were to include a high-altitude training stint in Morocco, made possible through cooperation with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. However, after the draw, concerns about inadvertently giving away game plans led to a revised schedule. The squad will now set up camp in Cairo immediately upon arrival, with a focus on tactical refinement, fitness, and acclimatization to match conditions.
Historic Stakes
This year’s U20 AFCON represents a landmark moment for Kenya, marking their first appearance in the competition under its expanded format. With the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing to the quarter-finals, the Rising Stars will be aiming to navigate through the tight margins of the group stage. More significantly, the top four teams at the tournament will earn qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, a goal that adds high stakes to every fixture.
Kenya’s youth side has shown signs of growth and resilience, and though they face some of the continent’s strongest teams, the shift to a more focused preparation plan and the unity within the squad could provide the necessary edge. The Rising Stars now carry the hopes of a nation as they set out to announce their arrival on Africa’s grandest youth football stage.
