Rising Stars striker Lawrence Ouma has revealed key lessons he learned during the concluded U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Kenya were drawn against Morocco, Tunisia, and Nigeria in Group B and were beaten 3-2 by Morocco before a 3-1 loss to Tunisia and drew 2-2 with Nigeria.

This was billed as a group of death, given that Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco were viewed as pre-tournament favorites as Kenya made their debut.

Nigeria reached the semi-final, where they were eliminated by eventual champions South Africa, and Morocco lost to the South Africans in the final.

Assessing the lessons learned, Ouma described the tournament as amazing.

“AFCON was amazing. We picked up a lot of lessons, but one thing stood out: we’re coming up well, and we’re at the same level with the others.

“When we arrived at the tournament, people said we were in the group of death. But once we got there, we matched them; there was no group of death,” Ouma told a local publication.

He also stated how he benefited, individually, from the age-grade competition.

“AFCON really helped me. I’ve gained courage, confidence, and valuable exposure as a player,” he added.

The rising star also acknowledged the help and mentorship he got from his coach, George Awoko.

“Coach Awoko is a big part of my development. From a young age, he helped me with everything—positioning, finishing, striking, runs, and ball protection. I wish him well and hope he continues to develop even more talented youth,” he concluded.