Kenya joins Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa in FIFA's African Group, which has 84 members, but Captain Mburu says the next step will be the toughest.
He explained: “We must now reach FIFA standards, and this is where our work stops.”
But this team has already faced many challenges, not the least of which is establishing itself in a sport that was previously unheard of in East Africa.
Ice Lions was founded by a group of expatriates from the United States and Canada, who went on a recruitment drive.
With the ease of access and popularity of ice hockey in Kenya, many new members have been discovered wearing roller skates instead of blades.
Tim Colby, who has coached the Ice Lions since its inception, says it's a love of the sport and dedication that has gotten the team this far.
“Playing ice hockey on the equator is not easy,” the Canadian told the BBC.
“The biggest challenge is ice time. Access to ice is expensive.”
Just one hour at the Panari Hotel's ice rink costs around $100.
These high rates mean that the team is usually only able to practice once a week.
Their home area is also a quarter the size of an Olympic rink, so the Ice Lions are limited to playing four-on-four matches (including goaltenders).
Full matches are six-a-side and require a goalkeeper, two defenders and three forwards.
Colby adds that obtaining sufficient protective equipment for the team is difficult.
“We need a lot of specialized equipment, which is only available in Europe and North America,” he said.
For the first few years, many players only wore shin guards, forgoing equipment such as helmets.
It may also take several months to replace hockey sticks.
