Kenya U20 assistant coach Anthony Akhulia has urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to arrange more high-profile friendly matches for the Rising Stars to better prepare for future international competitions.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Saturday morning, upon the team’s return from Egypt, where they featured in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 tournament, Akhulia stressed the need for better pre-tournament exposure.##NAJAVA_MECA_8916350##Kenya exited the competition with just one point from three group matches, having been drawn in a tough pool alongside African football powerhouses Morocco, Nigeria, and Tunisia.The Rising Stars suffered defeats to Morocco and Tunisia before securing a draw against Nigeria in their final group clash.Ahead of the tournament, the team had played several domestic friendlies against FKF Premier League clubs such as Kariobangi Sharks, KCB, and Tusker.However, Akhulia believes these were insufficient to prepare the players for the intensity and quality of international competition.How World Cup dream influenced Harambee Stars’ assistant to reunite with McCarthy“We need to start preparing early, but more importantly, we need better quality opposition in friendlies,” said the Bidco United head coach.“Apart from the game against Ghana, most of our build-up matches were local. If we can get more friendlies against teams like Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, and Mali—sides that are consistently at these tournaments—it would give us a competitive edge.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8917058##Reflecting on the lone international friendly played prior to the tournament, Akhulia said it helped the team understand their Nigerian opponents better.“For example, the match against Ghana gave us insight into how West African teams play. That’s partly why we managed to hold Nigeria. Had we played another top side like Morocco beforehand, we might have been better prepared to face them.”Homeboyz soothe Mozzart Bet Cup elimination by edging Mathare UnitedThe CAF-certified coach also called for continuity within the squad, many of whom were part of the CECAFA U18 team that finished runners-up two years ago.“This is a promising team,” he said. “The Federation and the government need to find a way to keep these players together. Those who are still eligible should be retained, and we can bring in a few new faces to strengthen the squad for upcoming CECAFA and CAF tournaments.”
