Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu is optimistic of sailing through a tough group comprising B comprising Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco in the Egypt, U-20 African cup of nation’s tournament.

Babu however expects difficult battles against the seven time champions Nigeria and the two North African giants, and says they have to be at their best against the experienced nations.

Babu’s provisional squad has been in camp for the last one month and will be heading to Morocco for a 10 day camp on Wednesday ahead of the tournament set for   27 April to 18 May in Cairo Egypt.

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Rising Stars suffered a 3-2 defeat to Tusker FC in a friendly match played on on Sunday, 13 April 2025 Police Sacco Stadium, as part of their preparations

“We are re in a tough group and we start as under dogs, but we are optimistic of doing well. We however have to work extra hard to get out of the pool, because being debutants we start as underdogs.” Said Babu.

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Kenya grabbed their ticket to the tournament after finishing second in the CECAFA U-20 tournament after losing 2-1 to Tanzania in the finals at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam on 20 October 2024.

The fresh CAF draw was conducted on Sunday, 13 April 2025 in Cairo, with hosts Hosts Egypt,  battling Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania in group A.

Defending Champions Senegal starts their title defence against  Central African Republic, DR Congo, and Ghana in group C. The official draw was re done after hosts Ivory Coast withdrew from the tournament last month.

The top two teams in each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will advance to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will grab their tickets to the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, set to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19.

Travelling squad goalkeepers: Bernard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Wyclifford Oduor (Bidco United), and Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United).

Defenders, captain Amos Wanjala (based in Spain) Joseph Bate (MOFA FC), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Henry Obina (Murang’a Seal), Collins Ochieng ( Denmark based) Telena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars) Jackson Imbiakha (former Mombasa Elite) and Manzur Okwaro (KCB FC).

Midfielders ; Kevin Wangaya (unattached), Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars), Irad Mshindi (Musingu Scorpions), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), and Spain-based Aldrine Kibet.