Kenya's Rising Stars touch down in Cairo for AFCON U-20

The Kenya U-20 national football team in Cairo, Egypt,ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Under-20 (AFCON) tournament, which runs from April 27 to May 18. [Harambee Stars, Facebook]

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