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Rising Stars exited the U20 AFCON dramatically in the group stages but the Kenyan youngster had lots of positives to pick from with four key players in pole position for moves abroad.
The Kenya U20 national football team, Rising Stars, exited the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cairo dramatically in the group stages following their 2-2 draw against Nigeria.
The Kenyan youngsters were drawn in a tough group with the West Africans, Morocco, and Tunisia.
They lost their opener 3-2 despite a spirited fight against Morocco before falling 3-1 to Tunisia in their second fixture.
However, despite their early exit, the team has a lot of positives to pick from, reportedly having impressed scouts during the continental showpiece.
Four names in particular have stood out, with each being linked with moves abroad.
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1. Kelvin Wangaya
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Wangaya, who won the Man of the Match award in their last group match against Nigeria, has reportedly attracted offers from clubs in Italy, Croatia, Georgia, and Turkey.
“Offers are flocking in and we are still weighing our options. We are going to settle on what will be beneficial to the midfielder before embarking on the process of signing,” said sources close to the player’s camp, as per Citizen Digital.
Wangaya was among the standout performers of the tournament from the group stages and will most likely have attracted the attention of Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy.
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2. Baron Ochieng
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The Sofapaka defender, who played in two Rising Stars fixtures in Egypt, has reportedly already signed a pre-contract for a move abroad.
It is being reported that Egyptian giants Pyramids FC are gunning for the Kenyan ace.
The youngster already has a shoe- in in the national team, having earned his maiden call-up in 2024 but is yet to feature for the senior side.
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3. Aldrine Kibet
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The Nastic Academy player is never lacking in suitors when he dons the Kenyan colors, and Cairo was no different.
The prolific forward started in all of Rising Stars' matches and ultimately impressed scouts.
Reports indicate that the youngster met some agents during the team’s stay in Egypt, from South Africa, Latvia, and Belgium.
4. Hassan Beja
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Meanwhile, Hassan Beja’s camp reports they’ve already received offers from two Egyptian clubs, one club in the Middle East, and another from Europe.
Beja netted the Rising Stars’ second goal in their match against Morocco and provided the assist for Lawrence Ouma’s opening goal against Tunisia.
Despite Kenya's early exit, these players represent positives not only for Anthony Akhulia and Salim Babu but also for Harambee Stars coach McCarthy, who will have plenty to pick from for his future squads.
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