Kenya U20 men’s national team, the Rising Stars, delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over FKF Premier League side Ulinzi Stars in a friendly match staged at the Kasarani Annex on Wednesday afternoon.The match served as part of the Rising Stars’ preparations for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, set to kick off on Sunday, 27 April. For Ulinzi Stars, the game was a tune-up ahead of their league clash against Sofapaka on Friday at Dandora Stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_8823726##MOFA FC’s lead striker, Lawrence Ouma, netted a brace, while Kakamega Homeboyz’ midfielder Oliver Majaka and English-based Jeremy Bissau also found the back of the net. The Rising Stars were the better side in the game, passing the ball around with much ease.Kenya has been drawn into Group C alongside Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone. They will begin their campaign against Sierra Leone on Thursday, 1 May, followed by a clash with Zambia on Sunday, 4 May, before wrapping up the group stage against Senegal on Wednesday, 7 May.Kariobangi Sharks star midfielder secures trials with Norwegian top tier sideSpeaking earlier, head coach Salim Babu emphasized that the team’s main goal is to secure a semifinal spot at the AFCON U20 tournament, which would guarantee them a place in the U20 World Cup.”We are in a group that gives us a real chance to progress if we approach our matches strategically. It’s neither an easy group nor an impossible one,” he said.Harambee Stars defender appointed captain of Malawian giantsBabu outlined his strategy, stating that winning the first two matches against Sierra Leone and Zambia would all but secure a place in the quarterfinals.”Our focus is on winning the first two matches, which would put us in a strong position to reach the quarterfinals—our immediate target,” he asserted.FKF president explains reason for third postponement of Mashemeji DerbyHe also called on Kenyans to rally behind the team ahead of making their debut in the tournament’s current format. “We are on a mission, and I have no doubt that we will give our best. I urge Kenyans to support and pray for us because this team is determined to make history,” he added.Provisional squadGoalkeepers: Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Wycliford Oduor (Bidco United), Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United)Defenders: Manzur Okwaro (KCB), Joseph Bate (MOFA), Jackson Sane (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Athletic Club Torrellano), Charles Junior (Sofapaka), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal), Telena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars), Rodgers Wasega (Nairobi City Stars)Midfielders: Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Stanley Wilson (AIK – Sweden), Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient-England), Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars), Irad Mshindi (KCB), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic – Spain), Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks), Gilbert Abala (Nairobi City Stars), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Ezekiel Omuri (Shabana), Tyron Kariuki (KCB), William Gitamu (Bandari), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Elly Owande (Al Nasr – UAE), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College – Leicester England)Forwards: Lawrence Ouma (MOFA), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Henry Omollo (Kakamega Homeboyz), Luis Ingavi (Saginaw Valley State – USA)Harambee Starlets and Kenya U17 team fly out for friendly matches
