FKF President Hussein Mohammed Reveals Grand Plans For Rising Stars Player in Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars

Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed has revealed Grand Plans for Kenya’s U20 national football team, the Rising Stars, despite their unceremonious exit from the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cairo

Thier exit came following a spirited 2-2 draw against continental giants Nigeria.

The result was not enough to push the youngsters into the knockout stages, but their performance throughout the tournament has left football stakeholders optimistic about the future.

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Drawn in one of the tournament's most challenging groups alongside Nigeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, the Rising Stars had their work cut out for them from the start.

They narrowly lost their opening fixture 3-2 against Morocco, but showed attacking promise.

The second match against Tunisia ended in a 3-1 defeat, but once again the Kenyans displayed flashes of brilliance.

Their final group match against Nigeria was a thrilling encounter as the Kenyan youngsters matched the continental giants in every department, ultimately securing a 2-2 draw that showcased the team’s growing tactical maturity.

Despite their group stages exit, the Rising Stars have earned high praise with FKF President Hussein Moahmmed particularly impressed, highlighting the experience gained and the potential evident in the team.

"It's our first time in the AFCON Under-20 Championships, and I think we've seen the type of football the young lads are playing—it's very commendable," Mohammed said on the back of Rising Stars exit.

"These are the boys who will end up in our national senior team. Consistency in participating in these events is key."

The FKF boss further emphasized the importance of building on this foundation by investing in the development of these players and keeping the core of the team intact for future tournaments.

Plans are already underway to integrate some of the standout performers into the senior national team.

The Rising Stars will be considered for selection in upcoming assignments, including the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in June and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for August.

The long-term vision, however, is firmly fixed on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a tournament that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

With three years to prepare, the FKF boss sees this current crop of U20 players as central to the country's ambitions on home soil.

Several players have already begun attracting attention from both local and international scouts.

Midfielder Kevin Wangaya, defender Baron Ochieng, and forward Aldrine Kibet are reportedly on the radar of European clubs, following impressive displays in Cairo.

Notably, Manzur Okwaro, one of the standout performers, has already earned a call-up to the senior Harambee Stars squad during the March international break, underscoring McCarthy's confidence in his abilities.

Kenya’s debut in the U20 AFCON may have ended in the group stages, but the Rising Stars have laid down a strong marker for the future.