Rising Stars face daunting task after second defeat in U20 Africa Cup of Nations

Kenya’s Rising Stars are facing a bleak run in the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations currently ongoing in Egypt with two straight losses to their name.

Salim Babu’s charges have already fallen to North African duo of Morocco (2-3) and Tunisia (1-3) and are currently bottom of Group B with zero points. Their next opponent on Tuesday will be against Nigeria and as it stands, the youthful Kenyans are looking at the exit door.

General lack of cohesion and defensive lapses has cost Kenya a big deal in this tournament. For the second game in a row, Kenya could not defend their lead and were paid for their naivety around their box gifting fouls and loose clearances with the more potent and hungry North Africans slaying the dragon.

With the team virtually out of the competition, it is now all about picking lessons for the future as Rising Stars fell short. In terms of experience, the Kenyans struggled against the far more exposed sides particularly in game management.

On the flip side, there could be special mention on two players including Hassan Beja of AFC Leopards and forward Lawrence Ouma of MOFA FC in the second tier Championship. The duo has been the spark for Rising Stars in the midst of challenges on the pitch of play. Both players have scored goals in this tournament for Kenya and as such proven to be critical to Coach Salim Babu and his technical bench.

“It is my first experience at the AFCON. We already played in CECAFA, but this stage is different and I want to score many goals,” said Ouma whose role model is Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga.

On the other end of the pitch, it has been a horror show for the defensive unit that has conceded six goals in two matches. The full-backs especially Baron Ochieng (Assistant Captain) of Sofapaka FC and Andres Odhiambo have had a nightmare outing in this tournament. Team captain Amos Wanjala alongside his central defensive partner Mansur Okwaro of KCB FC has also had to put in a shift to help reduce the damage.

As the Nigeria clash nears, the bench power could now become starters in a game of almost little significance. Coach Babu would like to leave the tournament with his charges on a high after the lessons picked on the international stage.

“We didn’t play well comparing with the Morocco match and our defense was caught in areas we did not defend well,” said Rising Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia in the post-match interview after the loss to the Junior Eagles of Carthage.

Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed said while the loss to Tunisia is a setback, it is also a clear reminder of what it takes to compete at the top.

“These matches are part of the learning curve for our young players, and every experience counts. As FKF, our focus remains on strengthening youth football. We want to see Kenya qualifying for all major youth tournaments across Africa—not just once, but consistently. That means better scouting, structured development, and stronger support for our national teams at every level. We believe in this generation. Let’s keep building,” he wrote on X.