Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has dismissed concerns over Tunisia’s superior Fifa ranking, insisting Kenya will be no pushovers in their Caf 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Despite Tunisia sitting 70 places above Kenya in the latest Fifa rankings, Odemba remains confident that her side will rise to the occasion when they host the North Africans at the Ulinzi Sports Complex come February 21.

Tunisia, seeking their third appearance at Wafcon, are ranked 78th in the latest Fifa rankings released last December, while Kenya sits at 148th.

However, Odemba, who is leading the team in pursuit of continental football glory for the second time, remains bullish about Kenya’s Chances.

She insists that her side will not be intimidated by their North African opponents and is determined to give them a tough challenge.

“Tunisia is ranked way above us, almost 100 places higher, mainly because they participate in every Fifa window. But when we get our Chances, we take them, and we are going to give them a run for their money,” Odemba asserted confidently.

One key approach for the Kenyan side will be an aggressive attacking strategy while ensuring defensive discipline to avoid conceding.

“Of course, we are playing our first match at home, so we need to score. We must attack more and get goals here. I am pushing the girls to make sure we score while ensuring we don’t concede,” Odemba emphasised.

The Starlets’ training camp at Kasarani Stadium enters its third day today, with more foreign-based players expected to join.

Vihiga Queens defender Alice Mideri and Bungoma Queens midfielder Catherine Khaemba trained yesterday at the Kasarani Annex, having missed Monday’s session due to club commitments in the Football kenya Federation (FKF) Women’s Premier League on Sunday.

The first group of foreign-based players to report includes Tanzania-based stars such as captain Ruth Ingosi, Jentrix Shikangwa, Wincate Kaari, Elizabeth Wambui Mutukiza, Corazon Aquino (Simba Queens) and Lydia Akoth ‘Ozil’.

Coach Odemba has expressed optimism about the new faces in the squad, particularly Kibera Girls Soccer’s prolific striker Faith Mboya.

“We have 11 new players in the squad, all of whom I have watched multiple times in the league. They are playmakers and goal scorers for their respective clubs. One standout is Faith Mboya, who played in the FKF Women’s National Super League during the first leg of the season and scored 15 goals. She has since played only two matches in the top-tier FKF Women’s Premier League and has already netted seven goals. She is a natural scorer, a fighter, and a go-getter in front of goal. We need players with her qualities to help us score and push our established strikers,” Odemba noted.

FKF has confirmed that Harambee Starlets will host Tunisia at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on February 21.

Previous reports had suggested the game could be held at Nyayo Stadium, which is currently undergoing final preparations ahead of Chan in August.

Ulinzi Sports Complex could prove to be a lucky charm for the Starlets, as it was the venue where the history-making Junior Starlets secured their maiden World Cup qualification last year.

The Kenya Under-17 Women’s team won both crucial matches against Ethiopia and Burundi at the Kenya Defence Forces stadium, spurred on by a passionate home crowd.