Kenya's U20 national football team, the Harambee Rising Stars, has returned home in celebration after qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The team secured their place in the prestigious tournament with impressive victories over Sudan and Burundi, reigniting hope for the future of Kenyan football.
Head coach Salim Babu expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments but emphasized the need for enhanced preparation moving forward. "We've gained valuable insights from these matches, but with more time and support from the government and the federation, I believe we could achieve even greater results," Babu noted. He praised the squad's depth of talent and stressed the importance of transitioning these young players into the senior national team to ensure continued growth.
Team captain Amos Wanjala was thrilled with the qualification, describing it as a major milestone for Kenyan football. "It’s an incredible feeling to lead this team to AFCON qualification. The experience has been priceless," Wanjala said. He also highlighted the new coaching strategy that revolves around the 'tiki-taka' style of play. "We need to improve our finishing, but with more backing from the federation and government, we can set higher goals, including winning major trophies," he added.
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Ibrahim Wanzala, who was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper, reflected on the team's success. "I’m thankful to God for this opportunity," he said, following news of his selection for the upcoming CHAN tournament. "While my focus is now on AFCON, I’m aware that the next stage will be more challenging. We’ll need even greater support as we strive for more success," he concluded.
With their focus now on AFCON 2025, the Harambee Rising Stars are determined to build on their recent achievements and continue elevating Kenyan football on the international stage.
