In a country where football dreams have often been dimmed by missed opportunities, Kenya’s U20 boys have ignited new hope. With grit, skill, and belief, the Rising Stars have qualified for the U20 AFCON for the first time ever and now carry the weight of a nation’s hopes as they chase a historic place in the FIFA U20 World Cup.
President William Ruto has challenged the leadership and managers of Kenyan football to elevate the sport to international standards as the national Under-20 team, the Rising Stars, prepares for its historic debut at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the team’s flag-off ceremony on Tuesday morning, President Ruto urged officials to address the long-standing managerial issues that have hindered the growth of football in Kenya.
“You have the heavy responsibility to lift football in our country to the level of athletics,” said President Ruto.
He emphasized the potential of Kenyan talent and the need for structured support and management to harness it.
“We want to see Kenya’s Harambee Stars rise to international status. The fact that many Kenyans have played in international leagues demonstrates that talent exists in our country,” he said.
The President officially flagged off the team ahead of the continental tournament scheduled to take place from April 27 to May 18, 2025.
“I am handing over this flag as a gesture of goodwill from the people and the Government of Kenya, wishing the team our very best wishes,” Ruto said.
Kenya, drawn into Group B, faces a tough lineup against continental heavyweights Nigeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. This marks the first time Kenya has qualified for the U-20 AFCON.
“That, in itself, is a source of pride for us as a nation, and is a mark of confidence that Kenyan talent has what it takes to excel in our nation, region, and globally,” the President added.
The Road to Egypt: A Historic Campaign in CECAFA
Kenya’s U20 Boys’ team made history after a commanding performance at the CECAFA U20 qualifiers held in Tanzania in October 2024. This marked the first time a Kenyan youth team qualified for the continental tournament at this level.
Group Stage Highlights:
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Placed in a competitive group with hosts Tanzania, Djibouti, Sudan, and Rwanda.
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Kicked off with a strong win against Tanzania, followed by convincing victories over Djibouti and Sudan.
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A draw against Rwanda sealed top spot in the group.
Semi-Final Brilliance:
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Kenya dominated Burundi 4-0 in the semi-final, with Aldrine Kibet shining again, to book a slot at AFCON.
Final Battle:
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Despite taking the lead in the final against Tanzania, the Rising Stars fell 2-1, but the top-two finish guaranteed both teams spots in the 2025 U20 AFCON.
This successful run built upon the core squad that had finished as runners-up in the 2023 CECAFA U18 Championship, showcasing the impact of continuity, technical stability, and government support.
Tough Group, Bigger Dreams: U20 World Cup in Sight
Kenya now faces an uphill task in Group B, dubbed the “Group of Death,” against African giants:
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Nigeria (7-time U20 AFCON winners)
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Morocco (fresh off dominant wins vs Libya and Sierra Leone)
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Tunisia (disciplined and tactically sharp)
But the Rising Stars are not backing down. The top four teams at the 2025 U20 AFCON will qualify for the U20 FIFA World Cup, and Kenya has its eyes set on a new historic feat — becoming the first-ever male Kenyan team to play in a FIFA World Cup.
Leaders Express Optimism
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya expressed confidence in the Rising Stars despite the tough draw.
“Although the group they have been placed in is touted as a Group of Death, there’s no death there,” he said.
“It’s a group where you can win, and I am sure you will win.”
He highlighted the government’s broader football vision, including preparations for hosting the 2025 CHAN and 2027 AFCON.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed praised the youth committee and reiterated the importance of infrastructural support.
“We have noted with delight that we are building and expanding our stadia. Without the right infrastructure, we cannot commercialise football,” he said.
Building the Future of Harambee Stars
The 2025 U20 AFCON campaign isn’t just about one tournament — it’s part of a long-term national football plan:
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Many Rising Stars players were in the U18 team that nearly won CECAFA 2023, showing a steady development pipeline.
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Continued exposure to high-level international tournaments will sharpen skills and readiness for senior national duty.
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With support from FKF and government, this generation could form the core of the next Harambee Stars era.
“I want to assure you that we are going to fight and make Kenyans proud,” said team captain Byron Ochieng.
