The Harambee Starlets wrapped up their two friendly matches against Algeria with a 2–1 loss in the first game and a 1–1 draw in the second, both played at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida on Wednesday, November 26 and Tuesday, November 30, 2025.
Mwanalima Adam scored in each match, continuing her strong form for the national team.
These friendlies formed an important part of the team’s build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where the Starlets will make their second appearance in 10 years.
Playing away against a competitive North African side offered the team the type of test they will face on the continental stage.
Head coach Beldine Odemba praised the effort and highlighted the value of the fixtures in exposing areas that need tightening before the tournament.
“These friendlies have highlighted the things we need to work on, especially mental preparation and concentration in the dying minutes,” she said.
“It was a good experience, and we have gotten a sense of the calibre of players we are going to meet in the competition.”
Beyond WAFCON, the Starlets are aligned on a bigger vision, securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. To achieve that milestone, the team must reach the semi-finals of next year’s tournament.
The friendlies in Algeria helped reinforce the belief within the camp that Kenya is capable of standing among Africa’s top teams. Each outing brings the players closer to the intensity and competitiveness required at that level.
Junior Stars Eye Final AFCON Ticket in Crucial Third-Place Playoff Against Ethiopia
Meanwhile, the Junior Stars are gearing up for a decisive showdown against Ethiopia in the third-place playoff of the CECAFA U17 AFCON Qualifiers, a match that will determine the final team to represent East Africa at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
They began their Group A campaign with a hard-fought draw against Somalia, before picking up momentum with back-to-back victories over Rwanda and South Sudan. Their only setback came in the final group match against Ethiopia, who are now their opponents once again in this high-stakes playoff.
Despite missing out on automatic qualification by not reaching the tournament final, Kenya has been handed a second chance. The team remains fully motivated, viewing this playoff as an opportunity for redemption and a pathway to the continental stage.
Head coach William Muluya has urged his charges to stay focused, composed, and confident as they prepare for this decisive encounter.
The squad is buzzing with belief, determined to make the most of this last opportunity to secure a historic ticket to the U17 AFCON.
With everything on the line, the Junior Stars will be fighting not just for qualification, but for pride and the honour of representing Kenya on the grand stage in Morocco.
