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Kevin Wangaya was Kenya's most standout performer during the tournament, and will now be hoping to secure a Harambee Stars spot in future.
Rising Stars midfielder Kevin Wangaya has announced himself as one of Kenya’s brightest young prospects after claiming the Man of the Match award in the national U20 team’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Nigeria in their final Group B fixture at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 tournament.
Wangaya, currently without a club, capped off a stellar individual campaign in Egypt by leading from the front—and often the back—with three impressive performances that yielded one goal, two assists, and a growing list of admirers.
Across the tournament, the diminutive playmaker was a consistent creative outlet for the Rising Stars. Flashscore handed him an average rating of 7.0, underscoring his influence in all three group games.
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Wangaya showcased the kind of midfield versatility that is rare in Kenyan football, operating as a deep-lying playmaker who could resist pressure, receive the ball on the half-turn, break defensive lines, and threaten goalkeepers with crisp shooting and pinpoint set-pieces.
His technical ability, calm under pressure, and vision have set him apart from most of Kenya’s current midfielders, who tend to rely more on power and athleticism than finesse.
His blend of skill and intelligence could make him an ideal candidate for a coach like Benni McCarthy, who has a reputation for nurturing creative talent.
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Defensively, Wangaya didn't shy away from his responsibilities, showing great discipline in tracking back, covering space, and supporting his defenders.
Offensively, his timing in arriving in the final third was crucial—culminating in a well-taken goal that underlined his value on both ends of the pitch.
He now joins the likes of Lawrence Okoth, Manzur Okwaro, and Hassan Beja as players who enhanced their reputations despite Kenya’s early exit from the tournament.
After receiving his Man of the Match award, a visibly emotional Wangaya expressed gratitude for the journey so far.
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“I want to thank God for helping me achieve this award, and I would also like to thank my teammates because without them, I would not have gotten it given it is not easy to win it,” Wangaya said.
“I also want to thank FKF and the technical bench, but all in all is God’s doing.”
“Winning the man of the match shows there is something. We have to go back home and keep working harder because it is not easy.”
With scouts likely to have taken note of his performances, the next step for Wangaya is securing a club that will continue to develop his immense potential. His displays in Egypt suggest the sky is the limit.
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