Harambee Starlets Lose to Algeria in Friendly as WAFCON 2026 Preparations Continue

Harambee Starlets took an early lead before Algeria fought back to equalise, with both sides creating chances in an intense friendly.

Harambee Starlets fell 2-1 to Algeria in a friendly match played at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida on Wednesday night, November 26.

Harambee Starlets are using the friendly matches in preparation for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2026 in Morocco, as they will be making a return to the continental showpiece after almost 10 years.

Harambee Starlets successfully secured their ticket to the 2026 WAFCON after securing a commanding 4-1 aggregate victory over The Gambia in the final qualifying round.

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Harambee Starlets first demonstrated their intent with a crucial 3-1 home win at the Nyayo National Stadium. They then sealed the deal with a hard-fought 1-0 win in the return leg, thanks to a decisive goal from veteran forward Mwanahalima "Dogo" Adam.

Algeria vs Kenya: First Half Action

The Harambee Starlets made their intentions clear early on, relying on a sharp counterattacking style. Algeria, eager to score, tested Harambee Starlets’ defence, which held firm.

Shirleen Opisa had an early chance to score in the third minute, but her attempt fell short, resulting in a missed opportunity.

In the 15th minute, Mwanahalima Adam stunned the Algerians by finding the back of the net, leaving them momentarily shell-shocked as the ball slipped through.

Harambee Starlets kept pressing, putting Algeria’s defence under pressure as they struggled to find an equaliser.

Algeria did not relent, mounting dangerous attacks on the Harambee Starlets, but the Starlets’ defence remained solid.

The match continued with both sides pressing forward, yet neither could convert their chances into a goal, but Harambee Starlets looked on course to add another goal.

Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor made a crucial save in the 30th minute, ensuring Kenya stays in the lead going into the halftime break.

Algeria vs Kenya: Second Half Action

Coming back in for the second half, Algeria were hungry for a goal, and the changing room conversation made the magic. In the 47th minute, an Algerian forward scored the equaliser.

The match intensified as both the Harambee Starlets and Algeria pressed forward, determined to take the lead and maintain their momentum until the final whistle.

By the 62nd minute, the score remained locked at 1-1, with both teams pressing relentlessly in search of the lead. Harambee Starlets generated several promising opportunities, but they were unable to convert any into a goal, keeping the match finely balanced.

The Algerian side responded with swift counterattacks, testing Harambee Starlets' defence and showing they were determined to snatch the lead at any moment.

Beldine Odemba then made a double change as Martha Amunyolete and Medina Abubakar were substituted out, with Corazone Aquino and Valarie Nekesa coming on to inject fresh energy into the side in the 72nd minute.

Despite the Harambee Starlets' best efforts to push forward in the closing stages, Algeria held firm and added another goal to secure a 2-1 victory.