The Kenya U-20 national football team, known as the Rising Stars, arrived in Cairo, Egypt, yesterday, gearing up for the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, which runs from April 27 to May 18.
Travelling directly from Nairobi, the team made its way to Cairo on April 21 after a last-minute shift in their preparations.
Originally, the Rising Stars had planned to conduct a training camp in Morocco. However, following the official tournament draw, which saw Kenya placed in Group B alongside Morocco, Tunisia, and Nigeria, the decision to remain in Morocco was deemed strategically unwise.
Now, the team is focused on finalising its preparations in Cairo ahead of their opening match on Thursday, May 1, 2025, against Morocco at the 30 June Stadium, kicking off at 10:00 PM EAT.
Their second group fixture pits them against Tunisia on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM EAT, also at the same venue. The Rising Stars’ group-stage campaign will conclude with a match against Nigeria on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM EAT.
Head coach Salim Babu has brought a robust 26-man squad, aiming to secure solid performances that will elevate the team throughout the tournament.
The tournament format allows for the top two teams from each group to advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams. This makes every match crucial, as the four semi-finalists will earn the opportunity to represent Africa at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Final Rising Stars U-20 Squad
Goalkeepers:
Kevin Oduor
Wycliford Oduor
Benard Jairo
Defenders:
Baron Ochieng
Humphrey Obino
Jackson Imbiakha
Joseph Bate
Manzur Okwaro
Amos Wanjala
Telena Ochieng
Collins Ochieng
Midfielders:
Kevin Wangaya
Emilio Brian
Irad Mshindi
Humphrey Aroko
Aldrine Kibet
Kelly Madada
Hassan Beja
Ezekiel Omuri
Elly Owande
William Gitama
Javan Omondi
Andreas Odhiambo
Forwards:
Lawrence Ouma
Oliver Machaka
Mark Shaban
Robert Abong’o
| Apr 22, 2025