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Rising Stars were initially supposed to face Sierra Leone, Zambia and Senegal in the upcoming U-20 AFCON, but a draw change now means they will face Morocco, Nigeria and Tunisia.
Rising Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia has explained why he is not too worried by the prospect of facing Morocco, Tunisia and Nigeria in the recently re-grouped 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to be held in Egypt in May.
In February, the tournament, which was originally supposed to be held in the Ivory Coast, had already been drawn, with Kenya initially placed in Group C alongside Zambia, Senegal and Sierra Leone.
However, Ivory Coast withdrew plans to host the tournament, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) were forced to approach Egypt in efforts to find another host. After Egypt accepted the hosting rights, it was decided that the tournament would have to be redrawn.
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20:25 - 12.04.2025
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In the process, Kenya found themselves drawn in what is clearly the group of death, with all their three opponents boasting higher credentials.
Speaking to the media from the side’s training base at the MPESA Foundation Academy in Thika on Monday morning, Akhulia explained how the side have adjusted to the news, assuring that the change has not affected the side that much.
“At the end of the day, we are going for a competition. Whoever is brought to us, we have to manage it, and we have to make sure that our team wins,” Akhulia said assertively.
He admitted that the coaching staff had initially prepared with different opponents in mind, but noted that shifting strategies is simply part of tournament football.
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19:45 - 13.04.2025
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“Of course, we had prepared for facing Zambia and then D, but that may change again, and we’ll have to come up with a different plan.”
Arab opponents pose new challenge
Akhulia acknowledged that facing Arab teams like Tunisia and Morocco presents a unique tactical challenge, but assured that Rising Stars are adapting quickly.
“Playing Arab teams is a totally different ball game compared to playing other teams,” he noted. “I’m very sure we will give our best in the tournament. So far, so good — the changes won’t affect us that much. We are still preparing for the tournament.”
Akhulia believes that strong preparation and a winning mindset are more crucial than fixating on external factors like the opponents’ reputation.
“Regardless of what happens, we would have eventually faced these teams if we reached the quarter-finals or semi-finals anyway, so our preparation continues as planned. Nothing will alter our focus or stop us from getting what we want.”
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06:55 - 10.04.2025
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First game will set tone
The Rising Stars' tactical blueprint will revolve around a strong start to the tournament.
“The only thing we need to do now is avoid defeat. We really need to win our first match — that’s the top priority. After that, we focus on the second match, and the third match will take care of itself,” Akhulia explained.
“Our main goal is to qualify for the quarter-finals, and then we’ll plan from there.”
While Kenya’s new group opponents may have the pedigree, Akhulia believes the team's pre-tournament camp in Morocco could offer a valuable edge.
“It’s actually good that we’re in the same group with them. We’ll be preparing in their country, so that gives us a chance to feel the environment of the region,” he said.
“Even though we’re playing in a different country, just being in the area gives us a morale boost.”
He dismissed any concerns over environmental conditions given North Africa’s hot weather conditions, urging the team to remain focused on performance.
“If we start worrying too much about the weather or the atmosphere, then we’ll be missing the point. Our focus is on making sure the team performs whether it's cold or hot, that doesn’t matter. What matters is that we give our best.”
With just weeks to go before the tournament kicks off in May, Akhulia’s message is clear: no excuses, no fear—just football.
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