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Despite Rising Stars' exit from the U20 AFCON, a number of players surely left a positive impression on Benni McCarthy and could earn a call up to his Harambee Stars squad in future.
Despite falling short of qualification, Kenya's U20 national team — the Rising Stars — left a lasting impression during their U20 AFCON campaign.
Under the spotlight was a squad filled with promise and raw talent, many of whom gave glimpses of their potential to make the leap to senior international football despite finishing bottom of group B following losses to Morocco and Tunisia and a draw with Nigeria.
With Benni McCarthy recently appointed as Harambee Stars' head coach, the South African tactician would have taken note of some standout individuals who might fit into his future plans as he eyes a long-term rebuild.
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Here are three players who truly caught the eye and could soon find themselves on McCarthy’s radar:
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Kevin Wangaya
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Kevin Wangaya has without doubt, been Kenya’s best player at the tournament. The diminutive midfielder, who is currently unattached, may have attracted suitors to help him with the next stage of his career.
Over three games, he registered a goal and two assists. Flashscore gave him an average rating of 7.0 over three games, showcasing his influence throughout their campaign.
His ability to drop deep, play on the half turn allows him to resist the pressure. He is also good at driving with the ball forward and playing line-breaking passes. He can also strike the ball well, and is dangerous at executing corner-kicks and free-kicks.
This is a profile Benni McCarthy will be keeping a close eye on, especially with most Kenyan midfielders lacking the skillsets that he has, being more of energetic workhorses that rely on power-play.
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Hassan Beja
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The AFC Leopards winger has been a standout player during the campaign, not just with his direct running and eye for goal, but his ability to take on his right back and isolate them on one v one situations.
He showed it during the second game against Morocco, where after a successful dribble, he cut it back to Lawrence Okoth, who then scored his second goal of the tournament.
He also scored his only goal of the tournament against Morocco after being assisted by Aldrine Kibet.
Beja has already played for the U23 side Emerging Stars during the COSAFA 2024 tournament, and is clearly highly regarded in the national set up. With McCarthy showing his willingness to put faith into wider players, like Mohammed Bajaber of Kenya Police, then Beja will fancy his chances.
To add on that, Beja can also play on the right wing, and has shown he can also fill in at right back on the odd occasion, showcasing his versatility.
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Lawrence Okoth
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Another player who impressed at the tournament, Lawrence Okoth has been dubbed the new Michael Olunga due to the similarities in playing styles between both strikers.
Okoth incidentally also plays for Olunga’s outfit MOFA in the National Super League. His ability to receive areal balls with his height, and then hold up the ball before laying it off to willing runners is a joy to be hold using his back to goal.
He also has that natural knack for finding the back of the net, which he showed against both Morocco and Tunisia.
His development is exciting, and it may not be surprising to see bigger teams abroad come for him following his display during the tournament.
While Kenya’s U20 side may not have secured AFCON qualification, the emergence of talents like Wangaya, Beja, and Okoth bodes well for the future. Their performances in the CECAFA qualifiers serve as a timely reminder that the country’s talent pipeline remains alive and well — it just needs the right direction.
For Benni McCarthy, who’s tasked with ushering in a new era for Kenyan football, these young prospects could form the foundation of a more technically fluid and modern Harambee Stars. If nurtured properly, this generation might just be the one to finally deliver on Kenya’s long-standing potential.
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