Last-gasp Algeria strike stuns Harambee Starlets as WAFCON preparations begin on sour note
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 26.11.25. | 21:37
Coach Beldine Odemba is using the two high-profile friendlies against the higher-ranked Algeria to assess her squad ahead of WAFCON return
Harambee Starlets’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) began on a painful note after they suffered a 2-1 defeat to a star-studded Algeria on Wednesday evening at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida.
Mwanahalima Jereko Adam fired Kenya ahead in the 15th minute, but Laura Taleb restored parity two minutes into the second half, before Nouhed Naili’s thunderbolt in the 90+1 minute shattered Kenya's hopes of a positive result.
Coach Beldine Odemba is using the two high-profile friendlies, against the higher-ranked Algeria to assess her squad, as she works towards naming a competitive team for next year’s 16-nation continental showpiece- scheduled for 17 March to 3 April.
Starlets are set to return to the continental stage for the first time since their debut, and only appearance in 2016.
Match Report
Kenya started strongly, and in the second minute Sharlene Opisa had an attempt at goal after being set up by Mwanahalima “Dogo”, forcing an early save from the Algerian custodian.
By the fifth minute, both sides appeared to settle, but it was Algeria who camped more in the Kenyan box.
Starlets’ impressive start to the half paid off in the 15th minute when Mwanahalima netted the opener.
Ruth Ingosi controlled the ball and launched it to Mwanahalima, with the Algerian goalkeeper controlling it.
She, however, succumbed to Mwanahalima's pressure, allowing her to give Kenya the lead.
Algeria twice came close in the 20th minute, but both attempts flew over the crossbar, much to the relief of Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor.
The match was briefly halted in the 21st minute for Awuor to receive medical attention after a clash with her defender.
After three minutes of treatment, the Kenyan international got back on her feet, carrying on even as the heavens opened.
As the half progressed, Algeria stepped up their attacks and forced Awuor into fine saves.
In the final five minutes of the opening half, the difference in quality between the two sides was evident.
Algeria controlled the proceedings and caused havoc for the Starlets on multiple occasions.
Awuor was at her best to ensure the scoreline remained intact, as Odemba’s charges carried a narrow lead into the break.
Hardly seconds into the second half, Starlets conceded a corner thanks to the early pressure from the hosts.
Aicha Hamideche delivered a teasing ball into the box in the 47th minute, and after a scramble, Thonon Evian forward Laura Taleb Muller poked it home.
Despite protests that Muller had fouled goalkeeper Awuor in the process, the referee allowed the goal to stand.
From there, Algeria dictated the tempo, dominating possession and forcing Starlets to defend deep.
But credit will go to Awuor and her backline, as they dug in bravely to keep the game level.
Awuor produced a standout save in the 61st minute, stretching to punch away a dangerous effort from Lea Abadou, who had danced her way into the box before picking the far corner.
The Kenyan shot-stopper stayed composed, rising again to claim the rebound and calm the pressure.
Odemba attempted to inject fresh energy by introducing: Valerie Nekesa and Carazone Aquino for Martha Amunyolet and Abubakar Medina in the 68th minute, but the tactical shift did little to halt the Algerian surge.
Farid Benstiti responded with five substitutions of his own as the Fennecs continued to pile pressure.
Starlets held out admirably and appeared to be heading for a hard-earned draw, until disaster struck in stoppage time.
A loose clearance fell invitingly to Nouhed Naili, who unleashed a fierce strike from outside the box that sailed beyond Awuor to complete the Algerian comeback.
It was a cruel end for the Kenyan side, who had shown courage and flashes of resilience but were undone by lapses at decisive moments.
