Arabic version: رايزينغ ستارز يستهدفون نهائي سيكافا والعودة إلى كأس أمم أفريقيا

According to Allafrica, Kenya’s national under-20 football team, the Rising Stars, are targeting a place in the final of the Cecafa regional qualifiers as they seek another appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. Captain Charles Auma said the team’s objective is to win the tournament and secure qualification.

The side is encouraged by its debut at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Auma said the players have been training twice a day and are fully prepared for the zonal competition. He also pointed to support from the federation and technical bench, saying the squad had received tactical guidance for its opponents.

In the previous edition of the qualifiers, the Rising Stars lost 2-1 to Tanzania in the final in Arusha, having already secured their Afcon place. At the continental tournament in April, they exited in the group stage after defeats to Morocco and Tunisia, followed by a draw with Nigeria in their final Group B match.

Now coached by veteran Gilbert Selebwa, the team will open its qualifying campaign against Burundi on September 17 at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam. It will play South Sudan at the same venue two days later in its final group match.