Adhiambo rallies Starlets attack ahead of Zambia Four-Nation showdown

The Starlets arrived in Lusaka on Wednesday, June 3, ready for the competition, which features hosts Zambia, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso and Kenya.

Adhiambo, who plays for Simba Queens in the Tanzanian Women's Premier League, said the team must improve its conversion rate if it hopes to challenge for the title.

"It is a great opportunity for us because the tournament will serve as preparation for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). We need all the support available to excel at the continental showpiece," said Adhiambo.

"I noticed that we scored only a few goals during the FIFA Series tournament we hosted in Kenya. As strikers, we need to raise our game and increase our goal tally."

The Starlets will be without forwards Jentrix Shikangwa and Elizabeth Wambui after Simba Queens declined to release the duo for the tournament. Meanwhile, Mwanahalima Adams Jereko was expected to join the squad later on Wednesday.

Kenya will open its campaign against Zimbabwe on June 6 before facing hosts Zambia on June 9.

The tournament is a key part of the Starlets' preparations for their second appearance at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.

Head coach Beldine Odemba views the Zambia assignment as an important opportunity to build a squad capable of making history on the continental stage. She believes the matches will provide a valuable assessment of the team's readiness ahead of WAFCON.

In Odemba's 24-player provisional squad, Kenya Police Bullets forward Emily Morang'a and Kibera Soccer Women goalkeeper Vivian Shiyonzo have earned recalls.

Shiyonzo, a former FKF Women's Cup Golden Glove winner, joins an experienced goalkeeping department that includes Annedy Kundu and Lilian Awuor.

Kundu and Awuor have long competed for the number-one jersey, but Shiyonzo's impressive domestic form has intensified competition in camp, setting up a closely contested battle for the starting role.