West Ham ace strikes late to deny Starlets maximum points against Algeria
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 30.11.25. | 21:48
Mwanalima Adam, looking to make her debut in next year's WAFCON, after missing the last due to exams, despite being part of the qualifiers, scored all goals for Kenya as they renewed rivalry with the North Africans
Harambee Starlets leave Algeria with a point from two friendly matches, the side scoring twice in both matches meant to prepare the Beldine Odemba-coached side for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
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After losing the opening game 2-1 on Wednesday evening, Odemba's charges regrouped, playing for a one-all draw in the return match played on Sunday, 30 November.
Just like the opening match, Starlets led first through HB Køge forward Mwanalima 'Dogo' Adam just after the break, the only Kenyan player to score across both legs.
However, West Ham's Inès Belloumou ensured the hosts earned four points, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser.
Starlets got their first scoring chance ten minutes into the game, with Martha Amunyolete's free kick from a dangerous position going over the bar.
Both sides had half chances to go ahead in the next 20 minutes, with Adam coming close again in the 36th, but her spectacular effort fell short as match went to the break on a stalemate.
On resumption, Odemba's charges enjoyed the momentum, their efforts paying off in the 65th minute as Dogo slotted home the opener.
Starlets had another chance to extend the advantage in the 80th minute, with a cheeky back heel off Ruth Ingosi, inside the opponents goal, the opponent denying the Kenyan side with a goal-line clearance.
The match seemed headed for a Kenyan win but Algeria, keen to protect their home turf, fought to the last whistle, being rewarded with a 93rd minute equaliser from the West Ham star forward.
Odemba leaves Algeria with a bagful of lessons, having used the two high-profile friendlies against a higher-ranked opponent to evaluate her squad before naming the final team for March' expanded WAFCON.
Starlets are returning to Africa’s biggest stage for the first time since their historic debut eight years ago.
Their qualification was sealed after a dramatic two-legged victory over The Gambia, which has rekindled optimism and national pride in the women’s game.
