Rising Stars striker Lawrence Ouma believes there is no significant difference in talent between Kenya’s U-20 national team and the top sides they faced at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this month in Egypt.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News Kenya, making its debut at the continental showpiece, was drawn into Group B which was widely labeled the “group of death” alongside African heavyweights Morocco, Tunisia, and Nigeria.Interestingly, Morocco finished as runners-up after losing the final to South Africa, while Nigeria clinched the bronze medal by defeating hosts Egypt in the third-place playoff.##NAJAVA_MECA_8946420##Under head coach Salim Babu, Kenya impressed by scoring in all three group matches and taking the lead in each of them.However, they fell 3-2 to Morocco, 3-1 to Tunisia, and drew 2-2 with Nigeria results which was largely attributed to costly defensive errors.Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Okoth, who plays for the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), said Kenya proved they were on par with their more seasoned opponents.“AFCON was amazing. We picked up a lot of lessons, but one thing stood out, we’re coming up well and we’re at the same level with the others,” Okoth said.“When we arrived at the tournament, people said we were in the group of death. But once we got there, we matched them, there was no group of death,” he added.Kenyan youngster is on the verge of his LaLiga debutOkoth also hailed the tournament experience for the exposure it gave him and his teammates, noting the impact it will have on their careers.“AFCON really helped me. I’ve gained courage, confidence, and valuable exposure as a player,” he stated.Ong’anya hails Sofapaka captain’s role in his Premier League breakthroughThe former Gianchere Friends High School forward also took time to appreciate his childhood coach, George Awoko, for his role in shaping his journey.“Coach Awoko is a big part of my development. From a young age, he helped me with everything—positioning, finishing, striking, runs, and ball protection. I wish him well and hope he continues to develop even more talented youth,” Okoth said.##NAJAVA_MECA_8945126##Coach Awoko is known for his work in nurturing young talent, with recent success stories including Tusker FC’s Thomas Omole and Okoth himself.
