Despite a narrow 2–1 defeat against Algeria in an international friendly at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, Kenya’s Harambee Starlets showed encouraging signs ahead of their return to the continental stage at WAFCON 2026. The match provided valuable insight as the team fine-tunes preparations for next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Kenya started the game with urgency, immediately pushing forward on the counter. In the third minute, Shirleen Opisa produced the first real chance, testing the Algerian goalkeeper with a dangerous effort. The early pressure paid off in the 15th minute when veteran forward Mwanahalima “Dogo” Adam capitalized on a defensive error to slot home the opener, giving Kenya a deserved lead.
Algeria responded by increasing their attacking tempo, but Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor remained composed, making a crucial save in the 30th minute to keep her side in front. The Starlets managed the remainder of the first-half pressure well and went into the break leading 1–0.
The hosts returned from halftime with renewed determination and found an equaliser just two minutes into the second half. The quick goal shifted momentum, and Algeria began dictating play as Kenya sought opportunities on the break. Despite promising movement in midfield and several dangerous transitions, the Starlets struggled to regain the cutting edge needed to retake the lead.
Coach Beldine Odemba introduced fresh legs in the 72nd minute, bringing on Corazone Aquino and Valarie Nekesa for Martha Amunyolete and Medina Abubakar. The changes helped stabilize Kenya, and Awuor kept them in the contest with another brilliant save in the 82nd minute. However, Algeria’s sustained pressure eventually paid off, as the hosts scored the decisive goal in the closing stages to complete a 2–1 comeback victory.
The two sides are set to meet again on Sunday for a second friendly. Despite the defeat, Kenya will take positives from their performance as they continue building toward a stronger showing at WAFCON 2026, having already secured qualification with a 4–1 aggregate win over The Gambia. The friendly matches are providing the Starlets with critical lessons as they prepare to compete at the continental level next year.
