Kenya U23 head coach Anthony 'Modo' Kimani says he has prioritized working on his players’ mindsets, ahead of a crucial 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) first-round qualifying second-leg against Tanzania on Tuesday, 6 October.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsKimani, speaking during the team’s training session in Nairobi on Friday, 2 October, emphasized on Kenya being mentally prepared for a tougher contest against their East African rivals, this despite them carrying a healthy 4-1 advantage from their home leg last Monday.##NAJAVA_MECA_10000338##“We have tried to fine-tune their [players] mindset. We have made them understand it is not going to be a walk in the park against Tanzania, who will be playing at home, will up the tempo a little bit, and will take the pressure a notch higher,” Kimani said.Livid McCarthy fingers ‘incompetent and arrogant’ referee after Harambee Stars’ loss to GuineaAs per the former Kenya international, providing such information to his players is pivotal, with its aim being to paint a picture of what to expect in the players’ minds, to avoid them getting an unfamiliar experience.“The so players are now prepared for all the scenarios that we might encounter, so I am pretty sure they will not be fazed by the pressure that will surely be there,” Kimani added.©FKF MediaIn the first-leg, Kenya took full advantage of playing in front of their home fans, racing away to an emphatic win courtesy of goals from Paul Osama, Lawrence Okoth, Kevin Wangaya, and Kelly Madada.With many believing that Emerging Stars have already one foot into the second round, Kimani was quick to go against that narrative.Why Muluya is confident Sharks will retain FKFPL status despite defeat in Mombasa“Yes we know we won in Nairobi, but we also know there is another 90 minutes to play in Tanzania, and that is what going to determine who progresses,” the Harambee Stars assistant coach said. “So we are not going to put into mind what happened in Nairobi, but are just going to plan for it just like the other matches. We now have a clear understanding of who we are up against; a very good, formidable side, with lots of quality, so we will have to be at our best inorder to protect our lead, and hopefully extend it.”Kenyan coach explains reason behind worrying 2026-2027 start in TanzaniaShould Kenya prevail, then a second round meeting with Ivory Coast awaits between 9 and 17 November this year.