CAIRO, EGYPT – Kenya’s U20 national team, known as the Rising Stars, may have lost their opening match in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to Morocco, but their performance on Thursday night was anything but disappointing. The 3-2 defeat at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo was a showcase of grit, growth, and undeniable hunger.
If anyone thought Kenya came to participate, not compete—they were mistaken.
A Brave Start in Cairo Under Pressure
It was a chilly night in Cairo, and the stage couldn’t have been bigger: Morocco, tournament favourites, were first on the fixture for Salim Babu’s boys. Nerves showed early on, especially for goalkeeper Benard Jairo, who struggled to settle in the high-stakes environment. But Kenya’s backline—led by Collins Ochieng and Manzur Okwaro—quickly stepped in to stabilize things.
Kevin Wangaya, the midfield maestro, stood out. Calm under pressure, creative in possession, he pulled the strings and brought rhythm to Kenya’s game. His composure helped lift the team, and it was no surprise when he delivered a beautiful free-kick that found Lawrence Ouma, who headed home Kenya’s opener in the 16th minute.
Morocco Hit Back, But Kenya Hold Their Own
Despite the early lead, Morocco’s experience began to show. The North Africans kept their tactical shape and pressed for an equalizer. Poor clearance and a fumbled save by Jairo gifted Mohamed Yassir Zabiri a simple tap-in just before halftime. Though Kenya protested a foul on Amos Wanjala in the build-up, VAR ruled in Morocco’s favor.
The second half saw Morocco come out flying, targeting Kenya’s flanks and forcing changes. Zabiri struck again to make it 2-1, but Kenya refused to fold.
Hassan Beja, who had missed a clear chance in the first half, redeemed himself in the 71st minute. After a well-orchestrated attack led by substitutes Javan Omondi and Aldrine Kibet, Beja calmly slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-2.
For a moment, Kenya fans dared to believe
Late Drama, VAR, and a Painful End
But Morocco weren’t done. In the 78th minute, Reda Laalaoui pounced on a loose ball in the box and restored Morocco’s lead, once again following a VAR check that controversially went against Kenya’s appeals.
Still, the Rising Stars fought to the last whistle. Jairo made a huge penalty save in the dying moments to keep Kenya in it, and the entire squad pushed for a late equalizer that never came.
A Loss on Paper, But a Win in Spirit
The final score may read Morocco 3 – Kenya 2, but the Rising Stars walked off the pitch with heads held high. They matched one of Africa’s best youth sides for intensity, creativity, and belief. With upcoming matches against Tunisia and Nigeria, Kenya still has everything to play for.
The World Cup dream remains alive—and if this performance is anything to go by, it’s a dream worth chasing.
What’s Next for Kenya U20 in AFCON 2025?
Kenya now prepares to face Tunisia and Nigeria in their remaining Group B fixtures. A win in either could open the door to AFCON quarterfinals and a possible FIFA U20 World Cup ticket.
