Rising Stars Name Starting XI To Face Morocco

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Rising Stars Name Starting XI To Face Morocco

Festus Chuma 20:30 - 01.05.2025

Kenya’s U20 Rising Stars debut at AFCON against Morocco, aiming for a strong start and World Cup qualification.

Kenya’s Rising Stars will be making history tonight as they take to the field for their debut appearance in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Morocco.

The Group B opener will kick off at 9 pm EAT at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

Salim Babu's coached side will be looking to announce themselves on the continental stage with a strong performance against one of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses.

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Despite missing three players due to injuries, the Rising Stars have shown hunger and belief during their final preparations.

Babu and his technical team named a balanced starting XI that blends local league talent with emerging stars from youth academies.

Assistant coach Anthony Akhulia remains confident in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion.

“We lack three players who are injured, but we can manage the situation. We respect Morocco, but we know our ability. We must win our first game to boost morale heading into the next fixtures. The team is highly motivated,” he told journalists during the pre-match press briefing.

Kenya finds itself in a tough group that includes Tunisia and Nigeria, but the team is determined to defy expectations.

The top four teams from the tournament will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, making this a golden opportunity for Kenya’s emerging talents to shine on a global stage.

The Rising Stars will next face Tunisia on May 4 before finishing their group campaign against Nigeria on May 7. All eyes will be on Cairo tonight as a new chapter in Kenyan football begins.

Here's how they line up:

Kenya Starting XI :Benard Otuire, Baron Ochieng, Manzur Suleiman, Hassan Kitsao, Kelvin Wangaya, Aldrine Kibet, Lawence Okoth, Elly Owande, Amos Wanjala, Andres Odhiambo, Collins Ongou

Subs: Wycliff Odawo, Joseph Onyango, Enock Ogoti, Oliver Machaka, Samuel Ouma, Alphonse Omondi, Dunstan Orenga, Clinton Machaka, William Amimo, William Asiko

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