Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has outlined a decisive strategy aimed at securing a historic berth to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile through the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsBabu believes that securing victories in their opening two AFCON matches and advancing to the quarterfinals will significantly boost their chances of making it to the global stage.Boost for Kenya Police as defensive duo resume trainingThe Rising Stars find themselves in a challenging Group C alongside Sierra Leone, Zambia, and reigning champions Senegal as they prepare for their maiden appearance in the AFCON U-20 tourney.Their campaign kicks off against Sierra Leone on Thursday, 1 May, followed by a crucial encounter with Zambia on Sunday, 4 May, before wrapping up the group stage matches against tournament favorites Senegal on Wednesday, 7 May.##NAJAVA_MECA_8812408##The tournament features 13 teams, with the top two from each group progressing to the quarterfinals alongside the two best third-placed sides.From there, the eight remaining teams will battle in a knockout format, with the four semi-finalists earning direct qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.Patrick Matasi: FKF requests 2 government institutions to investigate suspended keeperFor Kenya, at least two victories in the group stage will be essential to advancing, setting up a potential pathway to the semi-finals and an unprecedented World Cup qualification.Babu remains optimistic about his team’s chances, emphasizing the importance of executing their game plan with precision.##NAJAVA_MECA_8812412##”We are in a group that gives us a real chance to progress if we approach our matches strategically. It is neither an easy group nor an impossible one. Our focus is on winning the first two matches, which would put us in a strong position to reach the quarterfinals—our immediate target,” Babu asserted.Boost for Kakamega Homeboyz as trio return from injuryWith just a month until the tournament, the Rising Stars have intensified their preparations in a residential training camp.The tactician who doubles up as the Nairobi City Stars head coach expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, citing the competitive spirit among the players as a positive sign.##NAJAVA_MECA_8816394##”The boys have been training hard for the past week, and their determination is evident. They are pushing each other for places in the squad, and this competition is exactly what we need ahead of the tournament,” he noted.Babu further assured Kenyans of the team’s commitment to making the country proud, urging fans to rally behind the squad as they embark on their historic quest.AFC Leopards youngster relishing first Mashemeji Derby appearance”We are on a mission, and I have no doubt that we will give our best. I urge Kenyans to support and pray for us because this team is determined to make history,” he added.Kenya secured their AFCON U20 spot after finishing as runners-up in last year’s CECAFA regional qualifiers, narrowly losing 2-1 to hosts Tanzania in the final.
