Fast-rising Kenyan defender Amos Wanjala has assured fans that the national U20 team, the Rising Stars, are serious contenders for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Egypt — not just participants.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsFor the first time in history, Kenya, under coach Salim Babu, will compete in the tournament, which runs from April 27 to May 18, 2025. The Rising Stars have been drawn into Group B alongside record seven-time champions Nigeria, former winners Tunisia, and Morocco.##NAJAVA_MECA_8883783##Group A features hosts Egypt (three-time champions), Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania. Defending champions Senegal headline Group C with the Central African Republic, DR Congo, and Ghana.The tournament kicked off on Sunday, April 27, with Zambia and Sierra Leone playing out a goalless draw at Suez Canal Stadium, while Egypt defeated South Africa 1-0 at Cairo International Stadium.Kenya will open their campaign against Morocco on Thursday, May 1, at 30 June Stadium in Cairo (kick-off 21:00 EAT), then face Tunisia on Saturday, May 4 (18:00 EAT), before completing the group stage against Nigeria on Wednesday, May 7 (18:00 EAT).The 18th edition (25th if including unofficial editions) features 13 nations battling for continental supremacy and four qualification slots for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.Gor Mahia details 3 reasons for choosing Machakos as venue for new stadiumSpeaking ahead of Kenya’s first match, Wanjala, who plays for Spanish third-tier side Athletic Club Torrellano, expressed confidence in the team’s preparations.“We are ready to face any team in the tournament. So far, so good. Whoever we meet, we will handle them accordingly. We came here to win, not as losers,” Wanjala told Flashscore.Addressing the expectations back home, he added:“Kenyans should trust us. We are ready to represent them, and we will not disappoint. We have had excellent preparation and will deliver results they can be proud of.”Mathare United coach praises Gor Mahia fans for support in Tusker win, recalls 13-year-old favorKenya secured qualification after finishing runners-up at the 2024 CECAFA U20 Qualifiers, narrowly losing the final to Tanzania. Wanjala credited the early start to their residential camp as a crucial advantage.“I must thank the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the government for giving us ample time to train and bond as a team. The camp has been a major boost heading into this tournament.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8883771##The Rising Stars also held a friendly against Ghana’s Black Satellites, drawing 2-2 after coming from behind twice. Lawrence Ouma and Hassan Beja scored Kenya’s goals after Aziz Musibau had twice put Ghana ahead.Wanjala stressed the lessons learned from the friendly:“The draw against Ghana showed us areas we need to work on. We’ve been correcting our mistakes, and now we are ready for the real test.”
