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Rising Stars face off against Tanzania in a crucial AFCON U20 qualifier with both teams eyeing a strong start.
Kenya U20 national team, Rising Stars will face hosts Tanzania in what promises to be an electrifying opener of the 2025 AFCON U20 qualifiers on Sunday.
The Group A encounter will kick off at 4pm at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with both sides eager to secure a vital win in their campaign to qualify for the continental showpiece.
The Rising Stars under the guidance of coach Salim Babu arrived in Tanzania on Friday exuding confidence and optimism.
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13:12 - 18.09.2024
Tyron Kariuki, Aldrine Kibet & Amos Wanjala headline Kenya’s squad for AFCON U20 qualifiers
Salim Babu has picked several familiar faces from the side that reached the finals of the CECAFA U18 Championships last year in his provisional squad for the AFCON U20 qualifiers.
Despite being on unfamiliar ground the young Kenyan squad is determined to spoil the party for their hosts and claim all three points in what is expected to be a tightly contested regional derby.
"Our preparations have been detailed and thorough," said Babu, sounding assured of his team’s readiness ahead of the big clash.
"The boys have shown great resilience and commitment, and I believe we have assembled a squad capable of making the nation proud. The qualifiers will be tough, but we are ready to give it our all.”
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16:28 - 05.10.2024
AFCON 2025: Retired Luton & Kenya international reveals how Harambee Stars can upset Cameroon
Atieno has explained how Harambee Stars can upset Cameroon in order to seal qualification to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kenya's squad boasts a blend of youth and experience, with 11 players having previously featured in the 2023 CECAFA U18 Boys Championship.
Among the notable names are Amos Wanjala, Tyron Kariuki, and Ibrahim Wanzala, all of whom will be donning national colors once again. This continuity is expected to bring stability and cohesion to the team as they face the challenge posed by Tanzania.
Captain Aldrine Kipchirchir Kibet will be one of the players to watch in the encounter.
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11:30 - 05.10.2024
REVEALED: Why Masoud Juma joined Harambee Stars camp for Cameroon escapade despite not being fully fit
Masoud Juma suffered an unfortunate achilles tendon rupture last February, which has forced him to stay on the sidelines for close to nine months.
The youngster, who was a standout performer in last year’s CECAFA U18 tournament, has been entrusted with the armband for this campaign.
His leadership, combined with his attacking prowess, will be pivotal as Kenya looks to cause an upset in Tanzania’s backyard.
On the other side of the pitch, Tanzania’s head coach Charles Boniface Mukwasa has expressed his intent to capitalize on home support to motivate his team to victory.
“Winning the opening match in such a tournament is always a good motivator," Mukwasa emphasized.
“We are going all out to try and get three points because that will give us a good start.”
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10:30 - 05.10.2024
Korea DPR unveil strong 21-player squad as they prepare to face Kenya in FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup
The Kenya opponents have named a strong 21-player squad for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, led by coach Kim Eun-jung.
The pressure is certainly on for the Tanzanian side who will need to deal with the expectations of playing at home and delivering a performance worthy of the occasion.
They will be banking on the cheers of the home crowd to spur them on, but Mukwasa’s side will be wary of the threat posed by Kenya’s well-prepared squad.
For Kenya, this match represents an opportunity to build momentum in their quest for qualification.
The Rising Stars will need to leverage their experience from previous regional tournaments and play with discipline to stifle Tanzania’s attacking threats.
In the other Group A fixture, Sudan will take on Djibouti at the Azam Complex, as the nine-team tournament unfolds.
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09:00 - 05.10.2024
Harambee Stars receive huge injury boost ahead of Cameroon encounters as Joseph Okumu returns to full training for Reims
Okumu has returned to full training and will be available for selection when Stade Reims face Montpellier in their Ligue 1 clash on Sunday.
With the top two teams from the group advancing to the AFCON U20 tournament the stakes could not be higher for all the teams involved.
The qualifiers will climax on October 20th with the final and both Kenya and Tanzania are eyeing a spot in next year’s AFCON U20 competition.
But first it is the Group A opener and Kenya’s Rising Stars are daring to upset their regional rivals on home soil.
Rising Stars squad
Goalkeepers:Ibrahim Wanzala, Joshua Keya
Defenders:Baron Ochieng, Manzur Suleiman, Jackson Imbiakha, Joseph Bate, Amos Wanjala, Rodgers Obusu
Midfielders:Stanley Wilson, Tyron Kariuki, Kelly Madada, William Gitamu, Phabian Sheldon
Forwards:Louise Ingavi, Andres Odhiambo, Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wanganya, Hassan Beja, Dalphene Ezekiah, Lawrence Okoth
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