Rising stars captain Wanjala ready for battle at the Cairo 2025 U20 AFCON tournament.

The Spain based defender believes despite making their debut at the continental tournament their main target is qualifying for the U20 world cup. 

“We are well motivated and the team is in good spirits ahead of the tournament and we will be targeting a semifinal slot to ensure we grab the world cup ticket.  “We have had very intensive training sessions with the coaches in Cairo and we are looking forward to great matches in the tournament. “   Said Wanjala. 

Wanjala believes that their 2-2 draw against West African power houses Ghana  in a friendly match on April 24, 2025  was an eye opener on what to expect against the big boys.    

“We gained a lot from the draw with the Ghanaians and despite some few knocks here and there we are well prepared for the battles ahead, and we are focused on grabbing a world cup slot.” Added Wanjala 

The Rising stars under the tutelage of head coach Salim Babu must however punch above their weight to make it to the second round. They kick off their  group B matches against Morocco on Thursday 1^st May 2025, 9.00pm,  at  the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

The highly rated Wanjala who made his U-23 senior debut during the COSAFA cup tournament in July 2024, and will be hoping to lead the team to the semifinals.

However, the St Anthony's Boys High Kitale alumnus expects tough matches in the group of death, with another North African side Tunisia awaiting on Sunday, 4th May 2025 at 6:00pm, before concluding their preliminary fixtures against Nigeria at the same venue on Wednesday, 7th May 2025 at 6:00 pm. 

Meanwhile, FKF deputy president Mc Donald Mariga who is with the team in Cairo is optimistic they will make it to the second round, despite facing tough opponents.

“The team has been in camp for long enough with no destructions, they are well focused and we are looking forward to a good outing.   They have adopted to the  weather in Cairo and having drawn with Ghana Kenyans should expect wins against our opponents.” Said the former Kenyan international.