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Six players that could soon break into the Harambee Stars squad following stellar performances a CECAFA U-20 AFCON qualifiers in Tanzania
Kenya's U20 national football team, the Rising Stars, returned home triumphantly after securing a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Following an impressive run to the final, where Kenya finished top of group A before getting to the final the team has sparked renewed hope for the future of Kenyan football.
Head coach Salim Babu praised his players’ efforts but emphasized the need for better preparation as they head into the continental tournament.
While the entire squad performed admirably, a few players truly stood out. Here are five young talents that could be fast-tracked into more senior setups in the near future.
One honorable mention is Ibrahim Wanzala. The Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper won the award for best shot stopper and rightly so, having impressed with his command of area as well as his organisational skills, while also making some crucial saves.
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09:30 - 23.10.2024
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat urged to incorporate youngsters from U-20 AFCON bound Rising Stars
Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen has called for Harambee Stars head coach to forge a pathway to the senior men's national team for the Rising Stars who have impressed at the just conclude U-20 AFCON-CECAFA qualifiers.
1. Baron Ochieng
The Sofapaka right back is the only member of the squad that has earned a full call up to the Harambee Stars squad when he was drafted in as a replacement for Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma before the side played Burundi and Ivory Coast in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
An ambidextrous and energetic player, Baron Ochieng, although predominantly a right back, is also capable of playing as a left back or even a winger. He did well in an inverted role , combining well with William Gitama, and the Sofapaka defender will have been proud of his efforts.
A bigger move is inevitable, having been invited for trials in Sweden earlier this year, and it may not be surprising to see him break into the Harambee Stars squad sooner rather than later.
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08:02 - 24.10.2024
Timothy Ouma: Harambee Stars midfielder impresses in Europe League as Elfsborg suffer narrow loss to Galatasaray
Kenyan international Timothy Ouma was among the standout performers as his club IF Elfsborg narrowly lost to Turkish giants Galatasaray in a Europa League clash.
2. Kelvin Wangaya
What a breath of fresh air he has been. He scored four goals and registered one assist during the tournament, and was a revelation with his willingness to drop deep in build up to receive the ball, play on the half turn, drive with the ball forward and release killer passes to the more advanced midfielders.
Even more impressive was that ability to scan the pitch before receiving the possession, not too dissimilar to former Spain, Arsenal and Chelsea great Cesc Fabregas.
These skills helped the country secure its second ever qualification to the U-20 AFCON set to take place in 2025.
A product of the FKF school of excellence, you can tell that certain skills about his game have been embedded in him from a young age, and the former Kariobangi Sharks man, who is now based in Albania, is inevitably destined to play in the top five leagues as well as the national team with proper guidance.
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05:00 - 22.10.2024
Rising Stars assistant coach hails Kelvin Wangaya after CECAFA U-20 AFCON qualifier heroics
Wangaya has been one of the standout performers for Kenya during the tournament as Salim Babu's charges sealed qualification to the U-20 AFCON.
3. Aldrine Kibet
Aldrine Kibet, 17, football prodigy, has rapidly ascended the ranks of Kenyan football this year.
Representing St. Anthony’s Kitale, Kibet's outstanding performance in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) tournament in August catapulted him into the spotlight.
Playing as an attacking midfielder, his skills and vision on the field are unmatched, making him a standout player in the tournament.
Kibet’s journey took a significant leap when he was selected for Kenya’s national U20 squad earlier this year. His participation in the tournament in Malawi showcased his talent on an international stage, earning him attention from coaches and scouts.
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12:23 - 21.10.2024
Six things learnt from Kenya's heroic U-20 AFCON qualification despite loss to Tanzania in CECAFA final
Six things we learnt from Kenya's CECAFA U-20 AFCON campaign in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania where they managed to seal a ticket to the 2025 tournament despite losing the final 2-1 to the hosts.
Having started on the bench against Tanzania during the group stage, he came on as a substitute against Rwanda, before being given his first start of the tournament against Djibouti and never looked back.
He scored four goals and registered one assist, and his ball carrying and dribbling was such a breath of fresh air. He would win fouls which would allow the team to regroup when put under pressure, and in certain moments, he would create moments of brilliance.
Based in Spain, the midfielder could end up breaking into the first team within two years, should he also break into the first team set up back at Gimnastic.
4. Hassan Beja
The AFC Leopards winger’s direct running has been instrumental in giving Salim Babu’s charges width.
He scored three goals during the tournament, and would combine well with Rodgers Obusu down that flank.
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18:30 - 20.10.2024
Spirited Rising Stars come unstuck as they fall to Tanzania at the final hurdle in CECAFA U-20 AFCON qualifiers
Tanzania bounced back from a goal down to beat Kenya 2-1 to clinch the U-20 CECAFA AFCON qualifying trophy on Sunday afternoon.
He got injured during the final against Tanzania and from then on, the Kenyans lacked a clear outlet, allowing the hosts to turnaround the final and end up winning.
He may have to work on certain aspects of his game, such as his passing, but he is definitely going to earn caps for the national team.
5. William Gitamu Mwangi
Bandari fans have expressed excitement for the youngster for quite some time now, and he showed why during the tournament.
An ambidextrous dribbler, the talented winger was adept at cutting inside to shoot on his left, while at the same time, whip in danger crosses with his right.
His decision making could get better as he could learn to play witrh his head up better, but given the country has struggled producing proper wingers, Mwangi is definitely going to get better.
6. Amos Wanjala
Wanjala's profile has been on the rise since last year when he moved to Spain alongside the duo of;Aldrine Kibet and Alvin Kasavuli.
The towering defender skippered the national U18 team to a second-place finish during a CECAFA tournament held in December last year in Kisumu.
Wanjala, who predominantly plays as a central defender, seamlessly settled at Nastic and was at some point, tried in different positions so to prepare him for the next phase of his career.
Wanjala was promoted to the Gimnastic Tarragona, the professional side of the academy, one of the oldest football establishments in Spain.
His smooth transition, from school games to Spanish football saw him and the U18 team, elevated to the national U20 team in March this year.
Wanjala, made a comeback to the national team set up as he was included in the COSAFA Cup held in July in South Africa where Kenya was represented by the U23 team.
He played, in all three group stage matches, partnering Gor Mahia man Sylvester Owino, at the heart of the defence.
His impressive performances, in South Africa left many, convinced that he had come of age and was ripe for more competitive football, before earning a move to fifth tier Spanish side Athletic Club Torrellano
He then captained the side at the just-concluded championships, leading them to another final. A good ball player, he may however have to work on his concentration, as sometimes, he can tend to be too casual, which puts his teammates in trouble.
These young players have already made a name for themselves on the U20 stage, and their journey is only beginning. With the right guidance and opportunities, they could be key figures in the future of Kenyan football, helping to elevate the national team to new heights.
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