Kenya's Rising Stars keen to show they are not underdogs at Afcon

Rising Star's Elly Owande (left) in action against Ghana during a friendly match. [Harambee Stars]

Ahead of the much-awaited Kenya's debut at this year's CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt today, the focus is on record champions Nigeria, four-time champions Ghana and hosts Egypt in fight for top honours.

Little is said about Kenya, the Rising Stars who are equally talented and have the chance to go toe to toe with the heavyweights.

That is why captain Amos Wanjala is keen to ride on the underdog tag and use it to fuel his teammates and lead Kenya to glory if not the Fifa U-20 World Cup set to be played in Chile later this year.

Rising Stars open their campaign against 1997 champions Morocco today from 9 pm East African Time, a match they will be keen to win to get off to a perfect start considering their tough task ahead.

Kenya has been drawn against Nigeria who have won the title seven times, Morocco and Tunisia.

"We are ready to face any team in the tournament. So far, so good. Whoever we meet, we will handle them accordingly. We came here to win, not as losers," Wanjala said.

"Kenyans should trust us. We are ready to represent them, and we will not disappoint. We have had excellent preparation and will deliver results they can be proud of. We know we are regarded underdogs but we will use it to motivate us."

The 13 qualified teams have been divided into three groups - one of five teams (Group A) and two of four teams (Groups B and C).

Group A features hosts Egypt (three-time champions), Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Defending champions Senegal headline Group C with the Central African Republic, DR Congo, and Ghana.

The tournament kicked off last Sunday with Zambia and Sierra Leone playing out a goalless draw at Suez Canal Stadium, while Egypt defeated South Africa 1-0 at Cairo International Stadium.

After opening their account against Morocco, Kenya will then face Tunisia on Saturday before completing the group stage against Nigeria next Wednesday.

Wanjala, who plays for Spanish third-tier side Athletic Club Torrellano, said they are confident after the team's stellar preparation. Rising Stars drew 2-2 against Ghana during a friendly match building up to today's opener.

"The draw against Ghana showed us areas we need to work on. We've been correcting our mistakes, and now we are ready for the real test."

Kenya secured qualification after finishing runners-up at the 2024 CECAFA U20 Qualifiers, narrowly losing the final to Tanzania. Wanjala credited the early start to their residential camp as a crucial advantage.

The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals.

All group stage matches are played in a round-robin format.

In the event of tied points, head-to-head results, goal difference, goals scored, and even drawing of lots may come into play.