Slightly over two weeks ago, the Kenyan U20 team was preparing to open its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON U20) campaign with a clash against Sierra Leone.The team was to later play defending champions Senegal and Zambia in Group C of the tournament. However, the withdrawal of Ivory Coast as the host country meant that Kenya would face other opponents following the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a fresh draw.Consequently, Kenya landed in the pool of death as Rising Stars were drawn against Morocco, Nigeria, and Tunisia in Group B of the tournament that is currently ongoing in Egypt. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8894342##Being placed in the toughest group barely two weeks before the start of a big tournament can be inconvenient in terms of tactical approach, but not for Kenyan coach Salim Babu. The tactician says the near last-minute change of opponents did not throw him off balance nor force him to change strategy within a short period. We have done our homework well, says Rising Stars coach ahead of AFCON debut against Morocco”It did not affect us as a team, considering that we had good preparation time. I did not have a problem with the changes, as we have been training our boys to face their fellow U20 players regardless of the countries they come from. They are ready for the tournament,” he shared his thoughts.What left Babu more assured was the fact that his team managed to hold Ghana to a 2-2 draw in a test match played on 24 April in Egypt.The Mozzart Bet Cup-winning tactician with Kenya Police said the match gave him and the team a true picture of what to expect in the group, particularly the opening match against Morocco. Probable line up: How coach Babu will likely tweak squad following injury to key playerRising Stars are scheduled to take on the Atlas Cubs on Thursday at the June 30 Stadium from 9pm (East African Time). “It was a tough game, but I am happy with how the boys expressed themselves. We anticipate the group stage matches to be tough as well, added Babu.
