The Kenya U20 Men’s National Team, known as the Rising Stars, will now travel directly to Cairo, Egypt on Monday, 21st April 2025, in a strategic change to their pre-tournament preparations for the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This adjustment comes after the latest tournament draw placed Kenya in Group B alongside Morocco, Tunisia, and Nigeria, making the initially planned training camp in Morocco less viable from a competitive standpoint.
Group B: A Test of Character
Kenya faces a formidable challenge in Group B, with their debut under the current AFCON format pitting them against some of Africa’s youth football powerhouses. The group features:
- Morocco: A North African football giant and tournament host in the original plan.
- Tunisia: Known for disciplined, tactical football.
- Nigeria: Record seven-time U20 AFCON winners and perennial favorites.
The Rising Stars’ campaign begins on Thursday, 1st May 2025, at 10:00 PM EAT with a high-stakes opener against Morocco at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium. They will then face Tunisia on Sunday, 4th May at 7:00 PM EAT, before concluding the group stage against Nigeria on Wednesday, 7th May at 7:00 PM EAT—all matches set for the same Cairo venue.
Preparation and Squad Selection
Originally, Kenya had planned to acclimatize and fine-tune their tactics with a training camp in Morocco, leveraging a partnership between the Football Kenya Federation and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation8. However, the draw’s outcome—placing Kenya in the same group as Morocco—prompted a direct approach to Egypt to avoid giving their group rivals any strategic insight.
Head coach Salim Babu has already named his final 25-man squad, blending local talent with a handful of foreign-based players, including Spain-based defender Amos Wanjala and midfield prospect Aldrine Kibet7. Several notable names were omitted to maintain squad chemistry, a decision Babu described as based on “departmental necessity” and the cohesion built during the CECAFA qualifiers.
Tournament Stakes and Outlook
This year’s tournament marks a historic milestone for Kenya, as it is their first appearance in the U20 AFCON under the expanded format. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals. Crucially, the four semi-finalists will secure a place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, raising the stakes for every match.
Kenya’s path is challenging, but the Rising Stars have shown promise, qualifying after a strong showing at the CECAFA U20 Qualifiers. With a direct approach to Cairo and a focused squad, the team will look to make a mark on the continental stage and aim for a historic World Cup berth.
Key Fixtures (All at 30 June Stadium, Cairo):
- May 1: Kenya vs Morocco, 10:00 PM EAT
- May 4: Kenya vs Tunisia, 7:00 PM EAT
- May 7: Kenya vs Nigeria, 7:00 PM EAT
The Rising Stars’ journey in Cairo will be closely watched as they seek to upset the odds and announce themselves in African youth football.
