Kenya’s U20 football team, the Rising Stars, stand on the brink of history. As they prepare to face Burundi in the semifinals of the CECAFA U20 qualifiers, a spot in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is just one game away.
Victory would secure their first-ever qualification for the newly formatted U20 AFCON, a tournament that will showcase the continent’s brightest young talent.
For Kenya, this is more than just a football match—it’s a chance to break new ground. The Rising Stars have only participated in the old version of the U20 AFCON, then called the African Youth Championship, once, back in 1979.
Since then, Kenya’s journey to the top tier of African youth football has been filled with ups and downs, but now, under the guidance of coach Salim Babu, they are closer than ever to securing a place in the tournament.
The Rising Stars have been in impressive form throughout the CECAFA qualifiers, finishing at the top of Pool A with 10 points. They remain unbeaten in the group stages, and their dominant performances, including back-to-back 4-0 victories over Djibouti and Sudan, have set them up as strong favorites against Burundi in Friday’s semifinal.
Kenya’s rise to the top of Pool A has been built on two key elements: a rock-solid defense and a potent attack.
The Rising Stars have conceded just one goal in the entire group stage, earning them the title of the tournament’s best defensive team.
They let in only a single goal in their opening game against Tanzania, and since then, they have shut out their opponents completely.
In attack, Kenya has been just as formidable. The team is the second-highest-scoring side in the tournament, with players like Kelvin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet leading the charge. Kibet’s hat-trick against Sudan in their final group game has made him a player to watch in the upcoming semifinal.
Coach Salim Babu believes this combination of a strong defense and sharp attacking play gives Kenya the upper hand.
Speaking ahead of the crucial game, Babu expressed confidence in his team’s ability, saying, “We have been together with these players even at the U18 level, and they are hungry to qualify.” His belief in the squad’s cohesion and determination shines through as Kenya looks to take one more step towards U20 AFCON glory.
Burundi: The Underdogs with Determination
On the other side of the pitch, Burundi comes into the semifinal as underdogs, but they’re not to be underestimated.
Burundi finished second in Pool B, and although they suffered a 4-1 loss at the hands of Uganda, they managed to secure two wins in the group stages. Coach Gustave Niyonkuru has faith in his team’s ability to cause an upset and fight for their nation.
“We respect the Kenyan team, but we are ready to fight for our national flag,” Niyonkuru said ahead of the match. Burundi’s key players, such as Christophe Ndayikengurukiye and Ramazani Hakizimana, will be pivotal in their attempt to pull off a shock victory against a Kenyan side brimming with confidence.
RECOMMENDED:
The Stakes: A Place in U20 AFCON 2025
The stakes for both Kenya and Burundi couldn’t be higher. The winner of Friday’s semifinal will secure a coveted spot in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations. The two finalists from the CECAFA qualifiers will automatically qualify for the tournament, which has yet to have its venue confirmed.
For Kenya, qualifying for U20 AFCON would mark a significant milestone in their football history. Having never qualified for the new-format tournament, this achievement would be a testament to the growth of youth football in the country.
It would also give the Rising Stars a chance to test themselves against the best young talent on the African continent.
For Burundi, the opportunity is equally momentous. A victory over Kenya would not only guarantee them a spot in the U20 AFCON but also boost their footballing credentials on the international stage.
Burundi’s football program has made strides in recent years, and securing a place in the tournament would be a huge step forward for their youth development.
When Kenya and Burundi take to the field at the Azam Complex Stadium in Tanzania, fans can expect a tense and thrilling encounter. Kenya’s superior defensive record and attacking prowess make them the favorites, but Burundi’s resilience and determination will ensure it’s no easy task for the Rising Stars.
Kenya will rely heavily on the attacking duo of Kelvin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet, who have proven themselves as lethal finishers throughout the tournament. If Kenya can maintain their defensive discipline and continue their impressive attacking form, they have a strong chance of booking their place in the 2025 U20 AFCON.
Burundi, on the other hand, will need to tighten up defensively if they hope to contain Kenya’s dynamic forwards. They will look to players like Christophe Ndayikengurukiye and Ramazani Hakizimana to provide the creativity and finishing touches needed to break through Kenya’s formidable defense.
