Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and former Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Ababu Namwamba, has commended Rising Stars of Kenya, who lost to Morocco on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

In a statement on Friday, May 2, 2025, Namwamba indicated that he had watched the U20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) match from start to finish and was moved by the youngsters’ performance in spite of the outcome.

“I watched every single minute of this historic debut game for Kenya in Cairo, and I feel only immense admiration and respect for our Rising Stars lads. Our boys have run the well-drilled, highly ranked, and fancied Moroccan team incredibly close.

“If ever there was an ‘honourable loss’, there never will be one better than this one,” Namwamba noted.

Sports development

The former Sports CS observed that the vision to transform sporting and talent development in the country was beginning to pay off after his contributions while at the helm of the ministry.

“It is the vision that got our U17 girls to a first-ever FIFA World Cup for any Kenyan side, in the Dominican Republic 2024. It is the vision that has brought these U20 lads to a first-ever Youth AFCON finals appearance for any Kenyan youth team,” he stated.

“The same vision inspired the unprecedented sports infrastructure regeneration initiative I personally oversaw, including the futuristic Talanta Sports City currently under construction and upgrades to Kasarani, Nyayo, Kipchoge, Bukhungu, and Kanduyi stadia. Talanta is the only football/rugby customized stadium in the region, and a green project to boot! Yes, talent growth needs enabling facilities. And Kenya must be strategically positioned to host top sporting events.”

Rising Stars performance

The Rising Stars opened the scoresheet of the match, which was played at the June 30 Stadium in Egypt, when Lawrence Ouma headed in a free kick from Kevin Injehu in the 16th minute.

However, Morocco equalised just before the break and added another goal ten minutes into the second half to double their lead before a creative link-up between Aldrine Kibet and Hassan Beja equalised the scores to 2:2.

I watched every single minute of this historic debut game for Kenya in Cairo, and I feel only immense admiration and respect for our Rising Stars lads. Our boys have run the well drilled, highly ranked and fancied Moroccan team incredibly close. If ever there was an “honorable… pic.twitter.com/30z8yoWQeT

— Amb Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH🇰🇪 (@AbabuNamwamba) May 2, 2025

Morocco managed to sneak in the winning goal in the 78th minute. However, in the dying minutes of the game, the Rising Stars goalkeeper Baron Ochieng saved the youngsters from further embarrassment when he saved a penalty kick from the Moroccans.

Namwamba urged that investment in young talent and sports in the country will soon see Kenya play and shine on the world stage.

“Let’s keep believing. Keep trusting the process. Keep investing in our youth talents. The debut performance by our lads in Egypt has strengthened my belief further. Hongera Vijanaaa,” Namwamba said.