Harambee Stars head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee is optimistic he is building a formidable team to realistically challenge for a slot at 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Mulee is adamant that despite his side bowing out on a high in a dead rubber Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier on Monday evening against Togo in Lome, there were a lot of positives.

Abdallah Hassan and Masud Juma scored in either side of the half as Harambee Stars beat Togo 2-1 for a first away victory for the national team since 2015.

For Mulee , the forthcoming 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers where Kenya will tackle Mali, Uganda and Rwanda in the group stage are tough but absolutely achievable.

“We have tough assignments ahead where we have to face familiar opponents.

The teams we shall be facing have had recent good outings, but to me that is history, what matters is the present,” noted Mulee whose side was bundled out of the race for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finals after failing to beat Egypt in Nairobi last Friday, a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.

The freshness in the team with more players playing in the local league is a feat Mulee is keen to maiantain as he believes local players have come of age.

“This is the team I want to work with towards my big vision. A player playing in the local league is way ahead compared to someone in Europe who doesn’t get game time. For me that will be the biggest thing going forward,” added Mulee.

Two to three high profile friendly matches is what Football Kenya Federation boss Nick Mwendwa is looking at to give the national team the experience  they need before June qualifiers.

“It can be done. We have seen what the coach and the players can do. Now we need  huge friendly matches to get the team in the mood for the qualifiers.

I am very optimistic for bigger and much success from the team,” Mwendwa stated.