Rising Stars winger Elly Owande is confident that the team will do well during the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Kenya will be part of the tournament that will run from Saturday, April 26, to Sunday, May 18, 2025. Although Kenya will be debuting in the continental age-grade competition, Owande is optimistic.

Rising Starlets are in Group C with Senegal, who will hope to defend the title; former champions Zambia and Sierra Leone, who are also set to make their debuts.

“We are in a tough group, but that’s not a problem. We have some of the best players on the continent, and I believe we are at the same level as our opponents. Being our first time, we know we are considered underdogs, but we have to prove that our qualification was not a fluke,” Owande said, as per a local publication.

From the 13 nations, the top four will earn tickets to the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, and Owande believes they are capable of qualifying.

“This is a great opportunity for the country and for the players taking part. If we can qualify for the World Cup, it will be a huge milestone. It will allow us to showcase our talents on a global stage and possibly secure chances abroad.

“Yes, nothing can stop us. We have confidence in ourselves,” she said.

History

Kenya are returning to the tournament for the first time in decades, given that they last participated in 1979.