Rising Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia says Kenya’s U-20 side has taken a sudden change in tournament dynamics in stride, after being redrawn into a new, more formidable group for the upcoming AFCON U-20 Championship.Kenya now finds itself in Group B alongside seven-time champions Nigeria, 2021 finalists Tunisia, and North African powerhouse Morocco—following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to nullify the original draw.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More!!!The shake-up came after host nation Ivory Coast pulled out, forcing Tunisia into the tournament and prompting a reshuffle in Cairo on Sunday.##NAJAVA_MECA_8849740##Originally, Kenya had been drawn against Sierra Leone, Zambia, and defending champions Senegal—a relatively more balanced group on paper.Despite the unexpected shift, Akhulia believes the team is mentally and tactically prepared.“We’ve been preparing for the tournament, not just the group,” said Akhulia during a training session at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika on Monday. “Our mindset hasn’t changed. Whether we met these teams in the group stage or later in the knockouts, the goal remains the same—progress and compete.”The Bidco United tactician acknowledged the specific challenges that come with facing North African teams, known for their technical discipline and tactical sharpness.“Playing North African sides demands a different kind of preparation—tactically, physically, and mentally. We’ll adjust accordingly,” he affirmed.FKF temporarily suspends CAF D Coaching CoursesKenya’s Spain-based captain, Amos Wanjala, and fellow Europe-based player Andreas are yet to link up with the squad.But Akhulia remains unfazed, citing their familiarity with the national youth setup.“We’ve worked with them in the U-18s. They understand our system. We expect them to join us in Morocco just before we travel to Cairo,” he said.The Rising Stars are scheduled to be hosted by President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi on Tuesday, ahead of their departure for a 10-day training camp in Morocco.##NAJAVA_MECA_8849486##However, with Morocco now one of their group-stage opponents, the team’s plans are under review.“Our preparation strategy may shift slightly, but the camp will still provide vital exposure,” Akhulia noted.Kenya will open their AFCON campaign against Morocco on May 1 in Cairo—a fixture Akhulia calls “critical” for building momentum in the tournament.To stay match-fit, the team has lined up a series of friendlies, the latest being a 3-2 loss to Kenyan Premier League giants Tusker FC over the weekend.Okidi berates officials after Shabana’s Mozzart Bet Cup exitDespite the result, the technical bench was pleased with the team’s energy and commitment.Assistant captain Baron Ochieng echoed his coach’s optimism, saying the squad is buzzing with belief.“The mood in camp is electric. Everyone is pushing hard, and we’re united in our mission. We’re not scared of any draw. We’re here to compete and make Kenya proud,” Ochieng stated.##NAJAVA_MECA_8850197##The AFCON U-20 Championship kicks off on April 27, with hosts Egypt facing South Africa in the opening match.Kenya’s group matches, especially the opener against Morocco, are expected to be closely watched as the Rising Stars look to punch above their weight.
