The Kenya U20 men’s football side, affectionately known as the Rising Stars, face a monumental challenge as the U20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt draws closer.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news Rising Stars booked their ticket to the continental stage after finishing second in the CECAFA U20 tournament, narrowly falling 2-1 to Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Heroes in a hard-fought final at the KMC Stadium.Hassan Beja gave Kenya the lead, but Valentine Mashaka quickly levelled before Shekhan Hamisi sealed the win for the Tanzanians.Kenya U20 midfielder opens up on Juventus opportunity, career path, ahead of U20 AFCONDespite the heartbreak, there were plenty of bright sparks in Kenya’s campaign. Kelvin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet both emerged as the team’s top scorers with four goals each, a testament to the growing depth and talent among Kenya’s young footballers.Goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala stood tall—literally and figuratively—to claim the Golden Glove, while Andreas Odhiambo put in standout performances throughout.Yet, perhaps the biggest headline went to Aldrine Kibet, the young midfielder who started from the bench but finished the tournament as the joint top scorer.##NAJAVA_MECA_8884713##His impact off the bench did not just underline his ability to seize the moment—it cemented his place as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the country.Having already been named the CECAFA U-18 Player of the Tournament and now leading the charts in the U20 side, his trajectory is nothing short of meteoric.Kibet’s star began rising in 2023 when he led St Anthony’s Boys, Kitale—popularly known as the Solidarity Boys—to the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) national title.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: The form 2 student at Kenya U17 capable of playing anywhere on the pitchIn front of a packed Bukhungu Stadium, he scored twice in the final to help his school overcome Dagoretti High School.That performance earned him a football scholarship at Spain’s Nastic Academy and the prestigious SJAK award back home.So, what makes Aldrine Kibet such a standout talent?##NAJAVA_MECA_8884692##At his core, Kibet is a central attacking midfielder. But he is not your typical playmaker focused solely on assists and flair. His game is more nuanced—his instincts and movement make him the perfect modern-day raumdeuter (space investigator), a term popularised by German legend Thomas Müller. It refers to a player who thrives in interpreting and exploiting space, often ghosting into dangerous areas unnoticed.Like Müller, Kibet excels at making intelligent, well-timed runs behind the defensive line, often catching defenders off guard.Gor Mahia’s proposed 60,000 seater stadium and location elicits mixed reactions from fansA perfect example came during a recent build-up match against FKF Premier League leaders. As Kenya Police FC lost the ball in midfield, Kibet spotted a pocket of space in the right half-space and darted into it.The pass found him, and without hesitation, he slotted it home. It was a textbook case of timing, awareness, and execution.But Kibet is more than just a shadow runner. He is also highly effective at holding his runs, especially when anticipating cutbacks—a skill that requires patience and spatial awareness.##NAJAVA_MECA_8884322##In the CECAFA U20 tournament against Sudan, while Baron Ochieng and William Gitama linked up on the left wing, Kibet delayed his movement just enough to lose his marker.Hattrick boy…Aldrine Kibet 👏👏#RisingStars pic.twitter.com/MWo0t3pVRW— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 15, 2024 When Gitama delivered the low cross, Kibet had all the time and space he needed to bury it with a first-time finish.His dribbling ability also sets him apart. Kibet possesses a unique blend of acceleration, balance, and stamina that allows him to carry the ball over long distances—even through contact.Benni McCarthy’s shadow looms large as Rising Stars eye World Cup spot at U-20 AFCONHis goal against Burundi in the CECAFA tournament was a showcase of this ability. Starting from his own half, he surged past multiple defenders before calmly placing the ball into the net. It was not just a goal—it was a statement of intent and raw talent.Of course, like many attack-minded players, Kibet has areas to improve, particularly his defensive contributions. He is not the most involved when his team is out of possession, but he compensates with his impact in the attacking third.When he is on the pitch, he changes games, and that kind of influence is invaluable.##NAJAVA_MECA_8884605##As the Rising Stars prepare to face some of Africa’s best, including Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, head coach Salim Babu will be banking on Kibet to bring that same spark and composure.Aldrine Kibet’s first of 3️⃣ three goals today.#RisingStars pic.twitter.com/0lSRsjbNZM— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 15, 2024 With his intelligence, finishing ability, and attacking instincts, Kibet offers Kenya a genuine game-changer.The X-factor in Kenya’s midfieldAldrine Kibet is more than just a promising youngster—he is a symbol of the future for Kenyan football. His ability to read the game, attack space, and finish with composure gives the Rising Stars a crucial edge.Golden Glove race heats up as Harambee Stars goalkeeper makes his caseWhile still developing aspects of his game, particularly defensively, Kibet has already shown he can rise to the occasion when it matters most. And at just 18, his ceiling is sky-high.William Mwangi finding Aldrine Kibet for his second of the match 😁#RisingStars pic.twitter.com/KAAkRHFv6c— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 15, 2024 As Kenya heads into the AFCON U20, coach Salim Babu and Kenyans at large will be hoping that the Solidarity Boys alumnus brings his A-game in this tournament.The tournament will kick off on Sunday, 27 April, but Kenya will be in action on Thursday, 1 May against Morocco from 9 p.m.
