Kenya U20 side ramped up their preparation for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 in Egypt with a 1-1 draw against Kenya Premier League side Kenya Police FC on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

The clash staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex saw Salim Babu’s Young Guns maintain an unbeaten three-game streak against selected KPL sides in their recent test matches for the upcoming continental games.

Spain-based midfielder Aldrine Kibet bagged the match opener for the youngsters after being introduced as a substitute.

Otieno’s leveller

Rising Stars’ quest for a victory was however dashed after Duncan Otieno settled matters for the law enforcers for the held outcome.

The friendly also availed coach Salim Babu an in-depth view in to his team ahead of the daunting task of selecting his final squad for national duty.

Babu has admitted to facing a tough choice of sieving through the team of over 35-players ahead of their trip to Egypt.

In the clash, the coach handed starts to Humphrey Aroko, Elly Owande and Leyton Orient defender Zech Obiero in his preferred starting 11.

Kibet was among those handed a run-in for the final half of the tie. The highly rated midfielder was a late entrant to the Kenya camp alongside fellow Europe-based duo of Humphrey Wilson and Amos Wanjala.

Kenya U20 in AFCON

Pooled in Group C, Rising Stars will face off against Senegal, the defending champions, Zambia, and Sierra Leone.

Their tournament-opening game will see them clash with Sierra Leone on May 1, then play Zambia four days later on May 4.

Kenya will conclude their group-stage engagement against reigning champions Senegal on May 7.

The top four nations from the AFCON games will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.