Harambee Starlets opened their 2026 WAFCON build-up on a disappointing note after falling 2-1 to Algeria in a friendly match played on Wednesday night at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida.
Kenya struck first through Mwanahalima Jereko Adam, who capitalised on a goalkeeping error to fire home in the 15th minute. But the hosts clawed their way back after the break, equalising in the 47th minute through Laura Taleb before Nouhed Naili delivered the decisive blow deep into stoppage time.
Head coach Beldine Odemba is using the two-match tour of Algeria to evaluate her squad before naming the team that will feature at next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, set for 17 March–3 April. The Starlets will be returning to the continental stage for the first time since their historic 2016 appearance.
Kenya showed early promise, with Sharlene Opisa forcing a save inside the opening minutes following a move initiated by the lively Mwanahalima. Although Algeria quickly settled, the Starlets remained disciplined until their sustained pressure paid off—Mwanahalima harrying the Algerian keeper into a mistake before slotting in the opener.
Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor was busy for the remainder of the half, twice being tested from long range and later requiring medical attention after a collision with her defender. She recovered quickly and made several important saves to protect the lead as the hosts pushed harder towards half-time.
The advantage did not last long after the restart. A poorly defended corner in the 47th minute allowed Taleb to scramble the ball over the line, despite Kenyan protests of a foul on Awuor. From that moment, Algeria dictated the rhythm, pinning the Starlets deep and forcing the defence to absorb wave after wave of pressure.
Awuor kept Kenya in the contest with a superb save in the 61st minute, punching away a dangerous curler from Lea Abadou. Odemba attempted to wrestle back control by introducing Valerie Nekesa and Carazone Aquino in the 68th minute, but the tactical shift did little to disrupt Algeria’s momentum.
As the match entered the closing stages, Starlets looked set to escape with a draw. But in the first minute of added time, a loose defensive clearance dropped kindly to Naili, who unleashed a powerful strike from outside the area—leaving Awuor with no chance and completing Algeria’s comeback.
Despite the late heartbreak, the match offered valuable lessons for Odemba’s side as they prepare for their long-awaited return to Africa’s biggest women’s football stage.
