Salim Babu Counting on Ghana Friendly, Andres Odhiambo Arrival to Spark Rising Stars Against Morocco in U20 AFCON Opener

Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu has explained how both Andres Odhiambo’s arrival and their friendly against the Ghana U20 outfit will boost his side’s chances of beating Morocco in their opening clash of  the  2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Egypt.

Drawn into a tricky group alongside Morocco, Nigeria, and Tunisia, the Rising Stars are out to defy expectations and secure one of four U20 World Cup slots up for grabs.

“We are preparing to face Morocco which is our toughest game,” Babu told FKF Media from the team’s training base in Cairo. “We are considered underdogs but we have a good plan for that game. If we train well given our plan, we will do well.”

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Babu has welcomed back FKF Premier League standout Andres Odhiambo, who recently returned from trials in Norway amid stellar domestic campaign with Kariobangi Sharks.

 The gifted midfielder linked up  with the squad in Egypt and complete what Babu calls “a full house.”

“Andres’s arrival means we are  full house,” Babu said. “That Ghana friendly will give us a good picture as it will enable us to handle the threat of Morocco.”

“We know what we want. We do not want to leave Cairo and be back in Nairobi after just a few days,” Babu added. “We want to be here until the last day because we will have qualified for the World Cup by then. As long as we are together, anything is possible.”

The Rising Stars punched their ticket to the AFCON showpiece by going unbeaten at the CECAFA U-20 qualifiers, finishing as runners-up. 

A commanding 4-0 semi-final victory over Burundi highlighted their attacking firepower, and though they fell narrowly to Tanzania in the final, their overall display confirmed their upward trajectory in youth football.

Built on a solid tactical framework, Kenya’s U20 side under Babu marries defensive discipline with quick transitions, and  at the heart of that engine, Andres Odhiambo stands out as a key piece.

The 19-year-old midfield dynamo can slot in as a holding No. 6, an energetic box-to-box No. 8, or even as a creative No. 10. His elite scanning ability and game intelligence allow him to dictate tempo and adapt seamlessly to tactical demands.

Odhiambo’s consistency and stamina have also been standout qualities. He has started 11 matches for Kariobangi Sharks this season — missing only due to international duty — and featured in every single game during Kenya’s CECAFA qualifying campaign.

And far from being overwhelmed by the continental spotlight, Odhiambo relishes the challenge. He shows no signs of weakness and regularly holds his own against seasoned professionals.

With Babu’s blueprint clear and Odhiambo returning to anchor the midfield, Kenya may be underdogs on paper — but on the pitch, they are anything but a pushover.

“Everyone of the 26-man squad can play,” Babu affirmed. “The boys are ready.”