Rising Stars head coach Gilbert Selebwa has challenged his players to show character when Kenya faces South Sudan on Saturday in a decisive Group C encounter at the CECAFA U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Dar es Salaam.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsKenya head into the match needing a response after Thursday’s 2-0 defeat to Burundi, a result that left them without a point from their opening game.Burundi have already secured top spot in the group after winning both matches, while Kenya and South Sudan remain in contention for the remaining qualification possibilities.Rising Stars face must win clash against South Sudan to keep U20 AFCON hopes aliveSpeaking ahead of the match, Selebwa acknowledged the disappointment of the Burundi defeat but said the focus had quickly shifted towards giving Kenya the attacking threat required to get the result.“I think what is important at this point is how we bring out our character because it was a painful loss,” Selebwa said.The coach revealed that finishing chances had been a major focus in Kenya’s training session as the team prepares for what could be its final match of the tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_9968715##“From our training today, we have focused on how we can have numbers in the box and convert, this being our last game and decision maker, whether we are going to stay here or advance in the tournament,” he added.Kenya struggled to break down Burundi’s organised defence in their opening match, with Amini Nshimirimana scoring in each half to give the Burundians a 2-0 victory.Burundi had already beaten South Sudan 4-0 in their opening fixture, meaning they finished the group stage with six points.Still in the woods: FKF Premier League kick-off postponed once againSelebwa believes the mood within the camp has nevertheless remained positive ahead of the decisive encounter.“The boys really want it and hopefully they will convert this energy into the real game tomorrow,” he said.Changes expectedThe coach also hinted at changes to the team, particularly in midfield and attack, as Kenya looks to take a more aggressive approach against South Sudan.“That is exactly where our concentration has to be. We want to attack more and we are going to have more attacking midfielders and strikers, so we’ll definitely see some two changes for tomorrow’s match,” Selebwa revealed.Kenya learns group opponents for inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and FestivalOne player who could provide an attacking spark is Brighton Nacheri, who came off the bench against Burundi and knows Kenya must produce a significantly different result on Saturday.“The task tomorrow isn't easy as we want to win, and South Sudan want to win, but the best team is the one that will win,” Nacheri said.The attacker believes Kenya must give everything in pursuit of the required margin.“We are going to give 120 percent so we can win with three goals and above to qualify for the semifinals, and if we get the chance, to qualify for the final,” he added.The tournament format means Kenya must first beat South Sudan before looking at the wider qualification picture. The three group winners and the best second placed team advance to the semi finals.##NAJAVA_MECA_9968586##Selebwa calls for support in Dar es SalaamWith the match carrying such high stakes, Selebwa has also appealed to Kenyans living in or around Dar es Salaam to turn up and support the Rising Stars.Motsepe rules out Plan B as East Africa races to ready for AFCON 2027“It’s important that this being a national team, it’s always important for the fans to rally behind the team. For those of them who are here and can be able to come and keep the numbers up, that would be very important because it is not lost,” he said.Kenya will face South Sudan on Saturday, September 19, with the Rising Stars needing a strong response to keep their hopes of reaching the semi finals and progressing towards the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations alive.