Rising Stars Coach Reveals Key Quality Amos Wanjala Will Bring at U-20 AFCON

Rising Stars assistant coach Godfrey “Solo” Oduor has revealed the qualities Amos Wanjala will bring to the side at the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Kenya are set to participate at the tournament for the first time since 1972, and they have been placed in pool B of the tournament set to be held in Egypt, where they will face Tunisia, Morocco and Nigeria.

Head coach Salim Babu named the final 25-man squad, who were set to travel to Morocco on Friday for a 10-day camp to prepare for the tournament, before shelving plans after the AFCON group stage redraw, which placed Kenya and Morocco in the same group, making it impossible for the two sides to face off in pre-tournament friendlies.

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Speaking to the media, Oduor described Amos Wanjala’s arrival as incredibly timely, with the Spain-based defender’s leadership since the U-18 level at the 2023 CECAFA Boys’ championship key to helping the side qualify for the tournament last October.

"He's a leader and a big motivation to the team—not just to the technical bench, but to the entire squad,” Oduor said.

“ He's someone we truly feel privileged to have with us. With his inclusion, I’m sure we’ll be even more motivated to perform well."

Wanjala’s arrival leaves Andreas Odhiambo as the only squad member yet to join camp. Odhiambo, a promising midfielder, had briefly trained with the team before flying to Norway for a trial opportunity with Sarpsborg FF.

Despite initial concerns that Odhiambo might miss the tournament, his name was included in the final squad announcement made on Wednesday. He is expected to link up with the rest of the team in Morocco.

Following the camp, the Rising Stars will head to Egypt to begin their group stage campaign, where they must finish in the top two—or as one of the best two third-placed teams—to reach the quarterfinals.

Oduor is optimistic about Kenya’s prospects, even against Africa’s traditional football powerhouses.

“The boys have what it takes to compete at the highest level,” he said. “We are not going just to participate—we are going to compete and make our mark.”

A top-four finish at the AFCON U-20 would not only be a historic milestone for Kenya but would also earn them a coveted spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled from September 27 to October 19.

With belief growing and key players like Wanjala joining up, the Rising Stars are gearing up to prove that their long-awaited return to the continental stage is not just symbolic—but the start of something special.

The top four teams in the tournament will secure tickets to the FIFA U20 World Cup to be staged in Chile.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, alongside the two best third-placed teams. For ranking purposes, results against the fifth-placed team in Group A will not be considered when assessing third-placed teams.

Reaching the semi-finals would not only mark a historic achievement for Kenya but also secure a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled from September 27 to October 19.

“The boys have what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Oduor added. “We are not going just to participate - we are going to compete and make our mark.”