Harambee Stars head coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee has vowed to tame Mali when the two nations battle for a 2022 World Cup slot in their next Group 'E' qualifier in Morocco.
The Kenyan team jetted back into the country on Monday morning from Kigali, where they drew 1-1 with hosts Rwanda on Sunday.
But despite being held to two consecutive draws by Uganda in Nairobi on Thursday and Rwanda in Kigali on Sunday, Mulee hangs on to the firm, albeit, slim conviction that the Stars will ultimately shine en route to Qatar.
“We are still in the race because it's only two games played so far. We next play Mali in Morocco and that's the game that will determine which way we go,” said Mulee.
“It will be back-to-back ties, first in Morocco and later in Nairobi. I think in Nairobi it will be a different ball game altogether but let's first concentrate on the Morocco game.”
And amidst growing discontent among Kenyan fans, Mulee is appealing for calm and patience, insisting his charges deserve to be extolled for registering a couple of satisfactory performances that have fired them to second spot.
“With two points from two games, that's not bad at all. We would have loved to have four points by now but at least we managed a point against Uganda and another against Rwanda.”
Concerning their match against Rwanda, Mulee said his charges threw away a glorious opportunity to wrap up the day with maximum points, having rested on their laurels after taking early command in a match that exposed Kenya's bluntness in front of goal.
“I think we lost concentration after scoring that goal. We created a lot of opportunities for mostly the captain (Michael Olunga). Yes, he scored the first goal but had an opportunity to score a second," Mulee said.
“I can just blame it on failure to utilise our chances. Obviously, there is still some work to be done."
Mulee was, however, quick to add that they were up against a determined and well-organised side.
“Rwanda is a very good side. You saw the way they played in the second half. They had a very good pace.”