As Kenya gears up for its return to the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the spirit in the Rising Stars camp is anything but shy.Right-back Baron Ochieng, currently wearing the armband in the absence of regular captain Amos Wanjala, has given a glowing endorsement of the team’s mindset and ambition ahead of the continental showdown in Egypt.The 17th edition of the AFCON U20 tournament kicks off later this month, and Ochieng believes the Stars are not only prepared—they are ready to dominate.##NAJAVA_MECA_8849713##“I feel wonderful, bro. If you look at the way we’re playing — it’s fantabulous, man,” said Ochieng, speaking during a light-hearted, laughter-filled interview with teammate Kevin Wangaya.It was a moment of camaraderie that revealed a deeper truth: this group of players is confident, united, and determined to make history.Despite mixed results in recent friendlies — a 1-1 draw against FKF Premier League leaders Kenya Police FC and a narrow 3-2 loss to title contenders Tusker — the mood in camp remains upbeat. The friendlies, according to Ochieng, have only sharpened the team’s edge.“The energy is very right, as you can see,” he said. “The preparation so far has been good, and the way we’ve prepared — my friend, have you looked at the team yourself?”BREAKING: Kenya U20 unveil 25-man squad for AFCON showdownHe did not hold back from showing love to his teammates either. “You’re one of our good players; I love it! I love Obiero (Zech)… we’re also missing Andreas (Odhiambo) here… They will cry, my friend. They will cry.”That statement — half-joking, half-dead serious — sums up the mood around the camp. A group of young talents aware of the weight of the task ahead but unafraid to rise to it.##NAJAVA_MECA_8856914##Ochieng, who was linked with a move to giants Gor Mahia earlier this year and has previously received a senior national team call-up, took a moment to speak directly to Kenyan fans.“This is a new generation. We are the Gen Zs, so they should expect something good, something more. Because we’re serious—I’m not joking — we are serious.”Rising Stars land tough group in revised AFCON U20 drawKenya qualified for the tournament after finishing second in the CECAFA qualifiers in Tanzania last October. With their place in Egypt now secured, the Rising Stars are keen to show they are more than just participants — they are contenders.“I feel we are at our prime as a team,” Ochieng concluded. “We are not going there as underdogs, but to fight. Our aim is to play to the final.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8850214##
