Christine Adhiambo Confident as Rising Starlets Step Up Tanzania Preparations

Kenya U20 Rising Starlets goalkeeper Christine Adhiambo has expressed confidence in the team’s level of preparedness as they intensify training ahead of their crucial World Cup third-round qualifier against Tanzania. 

The first-leg tie is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Nairobi, and is expected to be a decisive test of the young side’s ambitions.

Speaking on Thursday, January 22, 2026, as the squad continued its residential camp, Adhiambo said the players were focused on sharpening their readiness to meet the demands of a tough encounter against the Tanzanite Queens. 

Nicknamed “Safe Hands” by teammates and fans, the custodian acknowledged that the upcoming fixture would require maximum concentration and discipline.

“We expect a tough team and game from Tanzania. They are a team that knows what they want to achieve and reach,” Adhiambo said. 

“The coaches have impressed on us that we have to be at our best, and it’s what we are focused on: getting our preparation to the required levels.”

The Rising Starlets have been in camp as head coach Jackline Juma trims the squad in preparation for the final selection ahead of the two-legged tie. 

Competition for places has been intense, particularly in the goalkeeping department, where Adhiambo is vying for a starting berth alongside seasoned custodians Ephy Awuor and Velma Ademba.

Adhiambo, who has previously earned call-ups to the senior women’s national team, Harambee Starlets, believes the internal competition is pushing each goalkeeper to improve. 

“In our department, the preparation has been top-notch. We are pushing each other to higher standards, and that is good for the team. I am hopeful we will be ready and raring to go as the day for the clash nears,” she added.

The 2025 Butere Girls High School alumnus, who featured prominently for the school’s football side, Red Commandos, is among a crop of young players hoping to use the U20 qualifiers as a springboard into professional football. 

Having completed her A-levels last year, Adhiambo is keen to cement her place in the squad and attract attention from local and international clubs.

“I see this as a big opportunity. Many of us are just starting our careers, and this stage gives us exposure and experience that can shape our future in football,” she said.

Kenya’s U20 team is seeking to continue its fine run in youth competitions, particularly in the girls’ category. 

Much of the current squad comprises players who formed the core of the team that conquered the region to qualify for the U17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic a couple of years ago. That achievement marked a historic milestone for Kenyan women’s football and raised expectations for continued success at youth level.

However, coach Juma has cautioned her charges against complacency as they prepare to face Tanzania, a side she believes is steadily growing in strength and tactical maturity. 

The Tanzanite Queens have made notable strides in recent years, with improved youth development structures and increased exposure to regional tournaments.

“Tanzania are not a team to be underestimated. They are organised, disciplined and hungry to prove themselves,” Juma said in a recent briefing. 

“We must respect them and be fully prepared if we want to get a positive result at home.”

The Kenyan technical bench has focused on fine-tuning tactical awareness, defensive organisation and set-piece routines during training sessions.

 Goalkeepers, in particular, have undergone specialised drills aimed at improving reflexes, aerial command and distribution from the back.

Beyond the technical aspects, the coaching staff has also emphasised mental readiness, urging players to handle pressure and expectations with composure. 

With a home crowd expected to rally behind the Rising Starlets, the players know they must seize the advantage in Nairobi before the return leg in Tanzania.

Adhiambo said the team spirit in camp has been encouraging, with players united by a shared ambition to make history. 

“The mood in camp is very positive. Everyone understands what is at stake, and we are working hard every day to be ready,” she said.

The February 7 showdown is expected to draw keen interest from fans of women’s football in Kenya, as the Rising Starlets aim to edge closer to qualification for the U20 Women’s World Cup. 

A strong performance against Tanzania would not only boost Kenya’s chances of advancing but also reinforce the country’s growing reputation in women’s football development.

As the countdown to the tie continues, Adhiambo remains optimistic that the team will rise to the occasion. 

“We know it won’t be easy, but we believe in our preparation and in each other. We are ready to give our best for the country,” she said.