Rising Stars Aim for World Cup Glory in Egypt Debut

Salim Babu, head coach of Kenya’s Rising Stars, has set an ambitious goal ahead of their debut at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt—qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. This inaugural appearance follows their historic qualification after reaching the final of the CECAFA regional qualifiers, marking a significant milestone for the young Kenyan side.

Speaking to Telecomasia.net, Babu expressed confidence in his team’s potential to make history by not just competing but progressing further in the tournament, which will serve as a stepping stone towards their ultimate target. “Our goal right from the start has been to qualify for the World Cup. We know we need to reach the semi-finals, as that guarantees a spot among the top four teams and an opportunity to advance,” Babu said.

The coach emphasized the team’s readiness to meet these challenges, highlighting the players’ determination. “The boys are committed to giving their best and we believe we have what it takes. We’re confident that we can achieve this,” he added.

However, Babu acknowledged the difficulty of their group, which features seasoned opponents Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. Kenya is placed in Group B, where only the top two teams will automatically advance to the knockout stages, along with the best third-placed teams from the three groups vying for the remaining quarter-final spots.

“This is a tough group—any team here can beat you. Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco are experienced and have been here before, so we’re aware of the challenge,” Babu said. “But we’re taking it one match at a time. As newcomers, teamwork and unity will be our strongest weapons.”

With many of the top teams unfamiliar with their squad, Babu believes this could work to Kenya’s advantage. “Not many teams know about us yet, which is a strategic advantage. We hope to be a surprise package,” he concluded, exuding confidence about making an unexpected run in the tournament.

As Kenya embarks on this historic campaign, the Rising Stars are not just playing for pride—they’re chasing a shot at global football’s biggest stage, and coach Babu’s vision is clear: qualification for the World Cup is within reach.