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Things learnt from Rising Stars' 2-2 draw with Nigeria in their final U20 AFCON 2025 clash.
Kenya’s Rising Stars ended their U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign with a spirited but frustrating 2-2 draw against Nigeria on Wednesday evening at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
While the result had little bearing on the group standings, it highlighted both promise and persistent problems in the Kenyan setup. Here are five major lessons from the match:
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Defensive lapses cost Rising Stars yet again
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For the third game in a row, Rising Stars were their own biggest enemies, as their defensive mistakes cost them yet another win against Nigeria in what was always a dead rubber game for the Kenyans.
After taking a well-deserved lead through Kevin Wangaya, Nigeria would equalise after a mix up during build up of play from the back, with Humphrey Obino’s intended pass towards Dalphine Omuri being intercepted which led to their equaliser.
After they scored their second goal to put them into the lead again in the second half through William Mwangi, Lawrence Okoth gave a needless penalty away when he lazily tripped Sulaiman Olalekan Alabi in the box, which Daniel Bameyi effortlessly converted to put them into the lead.
This follows up from their clashes against Morocco and Tunisia, where more defensive lapses were still their biggest undoing, and they need to learn quickly.
Kevin Wangaya is a gem
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Former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder Kevin Wangaya Injehu went into the tournament as one of the key players to watch, and it is fair to say that he grabbed his chance with both hands.
He was named man of the match after his goal, as well as the assist for the second by William Mwangi, and although he was clearly angered by Kenya’s result, he has shown he can be a key player for Harambee Stars in the future.
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.
Kenya just can’t hold on to leads
For the third game in a row, Kenya just could not hold on to their early advantage. They took the lead against Morocco, and the eventual group winners still found a way back.
The theme continued against Tunisia, where they squandered a goal advantage to lose 3-1, and again against Nigeria, they took the lead twice but had to settle for a draw.
This is something that has also affected the senior national team Harambee Stars, and must be addressed in future games, especially with most of the boys now expected to be gradually integrated into the senior team. Otherwise, their next realistic step for their development is to be part of the u23 set up in the quest to qualify for the 2028 Olympic games.
Aldrine Kibet must work on his decision making
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Aldrine Kibet seriously needs to work on his decision making. Despite his exciting ability to carry the ball forward, as well as the knack for the unexpected, one too many times, he was releasing the ball too late after holding on to it for too long.
Even when he released the ball, it was often a mispass, and in the end, he was rightfully taken off for Humphrey Aroko.
Perhaps, it explains why he has yet to even be promoted to the senior team at Gimnastic in Spain. An exciting talent for sure, but needs to work on that aspect.
Kenya must invest in mental coaches
Kenya’s inability to hold on to leads may also partly be down to a lack of mental astuteness. Many fans have suggested these players could have done well with a mental coach during the tournament, as they struggled to handle the pressure after taking the lead.
The Rising Stars exit the U20 AFCON without a win but with plenty of lessons to carry forward. While there are tactical and technical aspects that need urgent attention, there is also undeniable potential within the squad.
How Kenya builds on this experience — both in developing individual talent and fixing structural weaknesses — will determine whether this generation fulfils its promise. Could this be the turning point? Only time will tell.
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