Kenyan Star Kevin Wangaya Shines Bright in U-20 AFCON Dream Team

In summary:

Kenyan midfielder Kevin Wangaya made it into the best eleven players of the group stage at the 2025 U-20 AFCON in Egypt.
Despite Kenya’s team not moving forward in the tournament, Wangaya’s skills stood out with a goal and an assist.
The young player hopes his performance will lead to offers from professional football clubs.

Despite Kenya’s early exit from the U-20 AFCON, midfielder Kevin Wangaya, 19, earned recognition as a top performer in the group stage, scoring and assisting, notably earning Man of the Match against Nigeria and attracting scout attention. As the sole Kenyan in the Best XI, alongside other African talents, Wangaya’s achievement highlights the potential of Kenyan youth football and fuels his hopes for a professional career after his standout performances in Egypt. His journey from Nairobi’s local leagues to this continental recognition inspires young players and underscores the progress of youth development in Kenya.

Kenyan midfielder Kevin Wangaya made it into the best eleven players of the group stage at the 2025 U-20 AFCON in Egypt. Photo courtesy.

Wangaya’s Impressive U-20 AFCON Performance

Kevin Wangaya, a young midfielder from Kenya, has been named to the best eleven players of the group stage at the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) taking place in Egypt.

The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) technical experts announced the selection on Monday, highlighting the impressive performances of the Kenyan talent. Despite the early departure of the Kenyan national under-20 team from the tournament, Wangaya’s individual brilliance did not go unnoticed.

The 19-year-old Wangaya, who operates as a deep-lying central midfielder, made a significant impact during Kenya’s debut appearance in the U-20 AFCON. Throughout the group matches, he successfully scored one goal and provided an assist for another. In Kenya’s opening match against the Moroccan team, Wangaya was instrumental in setting up a goal for his teammate.

Furthermore, in their final group encounter, a 2-2 draw against Nigeria, he demonstrated his composure by scoring a goal from a penalty kick. His commanding presence and influence on the game earned him the prestigious Man of the Match award.

Currently without a professional club affiliation, Wangaya hopes that his stellar performances on the continental stage will attract interest from potential employers. “I am pleased with my contributions and grateful for the support I received from my fellow players,” Wangaya stated.

“I believe my performances on the field speak volumes. I am optimistic that clubs will recognize my abilities and present opportunities.” His outstanding displays in Cairo have reportedly already captured the attention of numerous scouts who have been closely monitoring his progress.

Recognition Among Africa’s Best Young Talents

Wangaya stands out as the sole Kenyan player included in the Best XI selection. Photo courtesy.

Wangaya stands out as the sole Kenyan player included in the Best XI selection. He is joined by other exceptional young talents from across the continent, such as Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara, who emerged as the top scorer in the group stage with an impressive four goals, and South Africa’s Lazola Maku, who also features in the midfield.

The team also recognizes Zambia’s Levison Banda as the best goalkeeper of the group stage. The defensive lineup includes Nigeria’s Odinaka Okoro and Daniel Bameyi, Ghana’s Dacosta Antwi, and Sierra Leone’s Nathaniel Jalloh. The attacking front is composed of Morocco’s Othmane Maamma, Zambia’s Joseph Sabobo, and DR Congo’s Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa, who managed to score twice during the group phase.

Kenya’s national under-20 team, widely known as the Rising Stars, did not advance beyond the initial group stage of the tournament. However, Wangaya’s inclusion in the Best XI serves as a moment of immense pride for Kenyan football. The U-20 AFCON, a biennial competition, provides a crucial platform for showcasing the most promising young football talents in Africa.

Many players who excel in this tournament often go on to secure contracts with prominent clubs both within Africa and internationally. Wangaya’s achievements follow a tradition of Kenyan footballing talent, with notable players like Michael Olunga also having risen through the youth ranks.

Hopes for the Future After Standout Showing

Wangaya’s footballing journey began in the local leagues of Nairobi, where his exceptional vision and composed demeanor on the ball quickly drew the attention of coaches. His composed penalty kick against Nigeria highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, a valuable attribute that could appeal to clubs in Europe or other parts of Africa.

The Football Kenya Federation is also celebrating Wangaya’s recognition, viewing his success as a testament to the growing effectiveness of youth development programs within the country.

As the U-20 AFCON tournament progresses, Wangaya’s inspiring story resonates with young aspiring footballers throughout Kenya. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next steps in his career, with many hoping to see him playing for a top-tier club in the near future.

For now, his inclusion in the Best XI of the group stage stands as a significant achievement and a positive highlight for Kenyan football on the continental stage.