Kenya's Emerging Stars have been urged to approach Ivory Coast without fear, with Spain-based midfielder Aldrine Kibet insisting they have enough quality to win Wednesday's 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium.

The Spain-based midfielder believes Kenya can make a strong start when the two sides meet in the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday. He has also urged fans to turn up in large numbers and give the team the backing it needs.

Kibet, who plays for Celta Fortuna, Celta Vigo's reserve team, is happy to be back home and keen to help Anthony Kimani's side secure an advantage before the return leg in Abidjan on November 17. "I'm very happy to be here. It's a big opportunity, and I feel this is a big game," said Kibet, who arrived from Spain to join the U23 camp.

The 19-year-old, who plays mainly as an attacking midfielder, believes home support could make a big difference against the Ivorians. He wants Kenyan fans to turn Nyayo into a strong home ground for the Emerging Stars. "Since we have the first home advantage, if the fans show up, I think we have a very big opportunity to win the game and take that advantage into the second leg," he said.

Kibet respects Ivory Coast's standing in African football but does not want Kenya to be distracted by the visitors' history. He believes the Emerging Stars must focus on their game and show what they can do. "West African teams indeed have a big football tradition and history, but we are focusing on ourselves and how we will approach the game," Kibet said. "We believe we have the same ability. The problem is that we haven't shown what we can do. I think we are going into this game believing we can win."

The midfielder also views the U23 assignment as an important step for Kenya's young players. A place at next year's finals would test them against the continent's best and gain valuable experience.

Kibet has represented Kenya at U18 and U20 levels, and credits those opportunities with helping him develop and attract attention from clubs abroad.

"Playing for the U18 and U20 teams has helped me reach where I am today. Playing in AFCON competitions gives young players exposure," he said.

He believes tournaments also bring scouts closer to emerging talent, opening doors for players to pursue careers outside the country.

"Playing for the U18 and U20 teams has been a pleasure for me. Now, with the U23, I think it is another opportunity for many young talents to grow."

The Emerging Stars are seeking a place at the 2027 U23 AFCON finals, where the continent's top three teams will qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Kimani named his final squad on Tuesday ahead of the double-header against Bafana Bafana.

Final Squad

Goalkeepers: Caleb Kramer, Bernard Jairo, Kevin Oduor; Defenders: Ian Omondi, Jackson Imbiakha, Robinson Musungu, Baron Ochieng, Price Musebe, Wycliffe Awiko, Telena Ochieng, Emmanuel Erupe; Midfielders: Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wangaya, Andres Odhiambo, Irad Mshindi, Humphrey Aroko, Oliver Majaka, Jack Munene Steel, Bernard Odhiambo; Forwards: Brooklyn Kazungu, Lawrence Okoth, Paul Osama, Stephen Omondi, Dancan Odhiambo and Henry Omollo.