Aldrine Kibet states importance of U20 AFCON ahead of Morocco clash

Kenya U20 midfielder Aldrine Kibet has explained the significance of the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to the players ahead of their opening game against Morocco.

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Kenya, who qualified for the continental tourney as one of the two teams from the CECAFA region, will play their first game on Thursday, 1 May, against Morocco.

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Kibet, who is one of the stars in the team, recognised the platform that the tournament hands players to express themselves, showcase their talents and hopefully impress the many scouts who will be keeping an eye to find the next generation of top players.

“This is a really big chance to progress our careers. We are playing on a big stage, and we have a chance to showcase what we can do to the rest of the continent and the world.

It is a platform where we can also progress our careers, and you never know, maybe some players can get opportunities to move to bigger teams,” said Kibet.

The St Anthony’s Boys, Kitale alumnus, also mentioned the experience that the tournament gives to young players and the memories created from it.

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“It is a huge chance for all of us, and we need to leave the tournament as better players with more experience to take us to the next level.

This is a massive opportunity and something that possibly comes once in your career. This is a great opportunity for everyone in the team,” he added.

Rising Stars created history by being the first junior-level football team in the country to qualify for a continental tournament, and Kibet believes they can even do more.

“We have already made history by qualification, and we can make more history by going all the way to win the tournament. It drives us to know that we have achieved something, and we can achieve even more,” he remarked.

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In Thursday night's match, the Spain-based midfielder believes that the team is well prepared and ready for the duel.

“We have prepared very well since we got into camp. We played some really good, friendly matches, which improved our confidence and showed us where we are as a team, and I believe we are ready."