Coach Babu: We’re set for Afcon challenge
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 09.04.25. | 15:40
The Rising Stars will play their final friendly match on Kenyan soil this Saturday against Tusker FC, again at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, before jetting out
Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness for the upcoming AFCON U20 tournament, following a competitive friendly match against Kenya Police FC on Wednesday, 9 April, morning at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The Rising Stars are finalizing preparations for the continental showpiece, set to kick off on Sunday 27 April in Egypt. Kenya is placed in Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Zambia. The team will open their campaign against Sierra Leone on Thursday, 1 May.
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In Wednesday’s friendly, the young stars faced Kenya Police FC in an entertaining clash. The first half was evenly contested, with the U20 side creating several promising chances but failing to convert.
The breakthrough came just before halftime, when Aldrine Kibet—who had only arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday—slotted home a low drive shortly after coming on as a substitute.
Kenya Police equalized in the second half through Duncan Otieno, who rose highest to head in from a corner, ensuring the match ended in a draw.
Speaking after the match, coach Babu declared his team ready for the tournament.
“We are ready. The boys showed great competitiveness today. There’s a lot of positives to take from this game and others we’ve played. If we were to play our first match tomorrow, I’m confident we would be up for it and push for all three points,” he said.
The team is scheduled to depart for Morocco next week for a ten-day training camp, which will serve as the final phase of their tournament preparations. Coach Babu emphasized that the focus in Morocco will be on fine-tuning the squad.
“Once we finalize the squad, the camp in Morocco will focus on refining the smaller details. The hard work is largely done — the boys have trained well and shown great commitment. It will now be about polishing our approach for the opening game,” he added.
The Rising Stars will play their final friendly match on Kenyan soil this Saturday against Tusker FC, again at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, before jetting out.
Kenya U20 Starting XI:
Bernard Jairo (GK), Baron Ochieng, Telena Ochieng, Manzur Okwaro, Jackson Imbiakha, Kevin Wangaya, Zech Obiero, Humphrey Aroko, Hassan Beja, Elly Owande, Lawrence Ouma
Kenya Police FC Starting XI:
Job Ochieng, Daniel Sakari, David Ochieng, Emmanuel Erupe, Charles Ouma, Daniel Musamali, Brian Musa, Marvin Nabwire, Alvin Mang'eni, David Okoth, David Simiyu
