Vihiga Queens shot-stopper Lilian Awuor wants to improve on set pieces as she seeks to lock the number one spot for national women's team, Harambee Starlets.
Awuor, 23, was handed her dream senior debut on Saturday as Starlets—under coach Charles Okere—brushed aside the Bright Starlets of South Sudan 7-1 in the second leg of African Women's Cup of Nations qualifier. Annet Kundu was in goal during the first leg.
Awuor has in the recent past played a starring role for Queens, helping the team to three Women's Premier League titles in the last four seasons. She was crucial as the Boniface Nyamunyamu-tutored side beat Ethiopia to the CAF Champions League slot.
"It is in free kicks that I really need to pull up my socks. I am good with my feet as well as reading the game," Awuor said.
"It was great to don the national team colours and my confidence got a big boost. I have worked all along for the big moment and finally got it. I am going to work hard to cement my place amidst the competition in goal."
Kundu has been a regular in goal for the past three years and faces a fight to keep her position with the former Eldoret Falcons goalie still searching for a new club. Awuor, Ulinzi's Maureen Shimuli and Pauline Katharu of Kibera Soccer are all salivating to take up the Kenya One role.
Awuor, the second-born in a family of four, played for the under-20 national team in matches against Egypt, Ghana, Ethiopia and Botswana in the World Cup qualifiers 2017.
The sensational goalkeeper is targeting victory on the continental front as Queens line up against South African queens Sundowns, ASFAR Club of Morocco and Nigeria's Rivers Angels in the Champions League next month.
"It will be a dream come true to play in the Champions League. I have burnt the midnight oil to get to the level I am but I still have a long way to go," she observed.