Big Names Miss Out As Harambee Starlets Name Squad For Crucial Algeria Test

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 23-player squad set to travel for two high-profile international friendlies against Algeria later this month.

The crucial away fixtures are scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, and Sunday, November 30, 2025, with both matches set to be played in Bilda, Algeria. 

The friendlies come hot on the heels of the Starlets' triumphant 4-1 aggregate victory over Gambia in the second round of the WAFCON qualifiers. 

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However, the team's focus has already shifted to a much larger goal as with the 2026 WAFCON tournament doubling as the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Coach Odemba and her squad have set a clear and ambitious target: reaching the semi-finals. 

The matches against Algeria, currently ranked 80th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, will serve as a vital yardstick. They offer Odemba an important opportunity to assess her squad, test new tactics, and begin the long process of building a team capable of competing with the continent's best.

Ulinzi Starlets’ duo Tabitha Amoit and Lavender Ann will not be part of the travelling squad. Both players have been enlisted at the Kenya Defence Forces Recruit Training School (DFRTS) in Eldoret for military training, rendering them unavailable for national duty.

Further complicating selection, forward Violet Nanjala also misses out. The influential attacker is still continuing her recovery from an injury she sustained during the decisive second-leg qualifier against Gambia. 

Adding to the list of notable omissions are Simba Queens striker Jentrix Shikwangwa and high-profile midfielder Marjolene Nekesa, indicating the coach may be exploring different attacking configurations.

Their absence, however, opens the door for fresh talent and returning players to make their mark. 

Odemba has included five new players in the travelling party namely Emily Moranga, Providence Mukalo, Valerie Nekesa, Sheryl Muyera, and Euphraiser Shilwatso.

The call-up is particularly significant for Zetech Sparks defender Sheryl Muyera, who earns her very first call-up to the senior national team. 

She is joined by Vihiga Queens’ midfielder Providence Mukalo, who makes a welcome return to the national outfit. 

Euphraiser Shilwatso also gets a significant opportunity; after earning a late call-up during the Gambia qualifiers but failing to make the final squad, she now returns with a clear chance to stake her claim ahead of a busy year for the Starlets.

The selected players are scheduled to report to camp on Friday, November 21, 2025. They will have a brief period of local training before departing for Algeria on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor

Defenders: Lorine Ilavonga, Leah Andiema, Sheryl Muyera, Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango

Midfielders: Medina Abubakar, Providence Mukalo, Corazone Aquino, Martha Amnyolet, Elizabeth Muteshi, Fasila Adhiambo

Forwards: Euphraiser Shilwatso, Valerie Nekesa, Mwanalima Adam, Catherine Khaemba, Elizabeth Wambui, Shirleen Opisa, Airin Madalina, Emily Morang’a