Akhulia, FKF boss hail U20 team’s progress despite group stage exit
Despite bowing out at the group stage of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Rising Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia and FKF President Hussein Mohammed have praised the team’s progress and expressed confidence in the players' future.
Rising Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia remains optimistic about the team’s future despite their exit from the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday.
In their final Group B match, the Rising Stars drew 2-2 with eight-time champions Nigeria. Kevin Injehu opened the scoring in the 13th minute from the penalty spot, but Nigeria levelled before half-time through Kparabo Ariehi.
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Kenya regained the lead in the 68th minute when substitute William Gitama finished off a well-executed set piece from close range. However, five minutes later, Nigeria equalised once more, with captain Daniel Bameyi converting a penalty after Lawrence Ouma was adjudged to have fouled Rickson Mendes.
The result saw Kenya bow out of the tournament, having lost their opening two matches against Morocco and Tunisia.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Akhulia expressed pride in the squad’s fighting spirit and growth throughout the competition, emphasising that the experience gained would be valuable for the team’s continued development.
“It was a good match, a good draw from the team. We managed to score two goals against a very strong Nigerian side - a team that hadn’t conceded before. I feel like the boys have done well.
“We wanted to win, but we’ll take the draw. Our motivation was to exit the tournament as a better team, not one that lost all its matches or conceded many goals.”
Akhulia also hinted at the players' potential to break into the senior national team, Harambee Stars, and represent Kenya in future continental tournaments.
“This team has been together for a while, transitioning from the U18 level. The goal is for most — if not all — of these players to graduate to the senior team as we prepare for CECAFA, CHAN, and AFCON 2027. This is the group that will take us there,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, who praised the U20 squad for their performances in what was their first-ever appearance at the tournament.
“It is our first time in the AFCON U20 tournament, and I think we’ve seen the quality of football these young lads are playing - very commendable.
“Everything is about experience, closing the gaps, and improving over time. I want to congratulate the entire team and thank the government for its support. It’s only a matter of time. These boys will grow into our senior national team.”
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