Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu has made three changes in the line up ahead of the team’s second Group B match of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations against Tunisia.Among the new faces in the starting is Ulinzi Stars winger Javan Omondi, who starts ahead of Elly Owande on the right wing.Owande was in the starting line up in Stars’ 3-2 loss to Morocco in the opening group stage match played on Thursday at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.##NAJAVA_MECA_8901605##Babu has also included centre back Joseph Bate in the starting team, meaning that the MOFA defender will partner with skipper Amos Wanjala at the heart of the defence. The introduction of Bate in the line pushes Manzur Suleiman Okwaro at the left back with Baron Ochieng keeping his pace at right back. Okwaro started on the left side of the central defence against Morocco, with Collins Ochieng manning the left back. U20 AFCON Diary: Bread goes for Ksh5 with Kenyan athletes more famous in EgyptHowever, it was not entirely one of Ochieng’s best day in the office, as the Moroccan wingers exploited and caused him all manner of trouble at his territory.He was withdrawn in the second half, for Humphrey Obino, who filled the right back position, with Baron moving to left back. Babu will have to rely on Okwaro, a natural centre back, at left back as his preferred starter Telena Ochieng is yet to fully recover from a knee injury. Mariga’s seal of approval for Rising Stars ahead of AFCON clash with TunisiaMeanwhile, Wyclifford Oduor will start in between the sticks following the unavailability of first choice goalkeeper Benard Jairo.Jairo manned the goal in the first match, but picked up a hip injury that saw him sit out of the final training session. Rising Stars dangerman eying individual award at AFCONBabu has maintained the trio of Kevin Wangaya, Andreas Odhiambo and Aldrine Kibet in midfield, with Hassan Beja and Lawrence Ouma retaining their left wing and forward slots.The clash against Tunisia is scheduled to kick off at 6pm at the 30 June Stadium.Rising Stars starting XIWyclifford Oduor, Baron Ochieng, Amos Wanjala, Joseph Bate, Manzur Suleiman Okwaro, Andreas Odhiambo, Kevin Wangaya, Aldrine Kibet, Hassan Beja, Lawrence OkothSubstitutes Kevin Oduor, Jackson Imbiakha, Collins Ochieng, Irad Mushindi, Humphrey Aroko, Humphrey Obino, Brian Emilio, Oliver Majaka, Elly Owande, William Gitamu, Ezekiel Omuri, Mark Shaban, Telena Ochieng
