The "friendly" neighborly rivalry is over. When the Rising Starlets step onto the turf at Ulinzi Sports Complex this Saturday, they will be waging a mental and physical war against Tanzania.

Kenya’s U20 women’s national team is just two steps away from a historic World Cup qualification. Head Coach Jackline Juma has declared her squad "mentally ironclad" ahead of the critical third-round first-leg qualifier on February 7. Having trimmed her provisional squad from 60 to a lean, battle-hardened 23, Juma is banking on a mix of tactical discipline and home-ground intimidation.

The Fortress Strategy

The choice of Ulinzi Sports Complex is deliberate. The technical bench wants a compact, cauldron-like atmosphere to rattle the "Tanzanite Queens" before the return leg in Dar es Salaam on February 14. Captain Jenevive Mithel, a defensive stalwart, insists the team respects their opponents but fears no one.

• The Squad: The final list is dominated by the Junior Starlets class of 2024, including goalkeeper Christine Adhiambo and Police Bullets stars like Rebecca Odato.
• The Stakes: A win on aggregate propels Kenya to the fourth and final round. The message from camp is simple: "We are not just playing for ourselves; we are playing for the badge."

No Room for Error

"We have worked on our mental strength because we know Tanzania will come hard," Coach Juma noted. "We need players who can withstand the pressure of a World Cup qualifier."

With the memories of the dominant 4-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia still fresh, the Starlets are in high spirits. But Saturday is a new test. Nairobi is ready to host, and the Starlets are ready to hunt. Kick-off is at 3:00 PM EAT.