Harambee Starlets lose to Zambia on penalties in Four Nations Tournament opener

Hosts Zambia booked their place in the final of the ongoing Four Nations Tournament after edging Kenya's Harambee Starlets 4-1 in a penalty shootout following a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

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Harambee Starlets entered the encounter determined to make a strong start in their quest for the title, while Zambia were equally motivated to impress on home soil and secure a place in the championship match.

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The Copper Queens made a bright start and took the lead just three minutes into the contest. US-based forward Prisca Chilufya reacted quickest inside the box, poking the ball home from close range beyond goalkeeper Annedy Kundu.

Kenya responded positively and nearly restored parity in the 10th minute when Lorna Nyarinda combined well with Tereza Engesha, but her effort drifted wide.

Moments later, Mwanalima Adam tried her luck from distance after being picked out by Fasila Adhiambo, but her attempt sailed over the crossbar.

Zambia continued to threaten, with Blessing Maluba and Irene Lungu both going close as the hosts searched for a second goal.

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Kenya also created opportunities, the best falling to Nyarinda on the half-hour mark after being released by Elizabeth Ochaka, but her effort narrowly missed the target.

The visitors came close again just before halftime when Elgay Mukhwana latched onto a through ball from Nyarinda, only to see her delicate finish drift agonisingly wide as Zambia carried a slender 1-0 advantage into the break.

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Kenya started the second half with renewed urgency. Leah Andiema tested goalkeeper Hazel Nali, while substitute Marion Serenge came close after connecting with a dangerous cross from Ruth Ingosi.

The Starlets' persistence was eventually rewarded when Fasila Adhiambo calmly finished from inside the box to level the scores in the 77th minute and breathe life into Kenya's hopes.

Despite both sides pushing for a winner in the closing stages, neither could find a breakthrough, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Zambia proved flawless, converting all four of their spot-kicks. Kenya struggled from 12 yards, with Mwanalima Adam scoring the only successful penalty as the Copper Queens claimed a 4-1 victory.

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The win sends Zambia into the tournament final, where they will face Zimbabwe, who earlier defeated Lesotho 3-1 in the other semifinal.

The Beldine Odemba-coached side will now take on Lesotho in the third-place playoff as they aim to finish third in the tournament.