Harambee Starlets Forced to Regroup After Algeria Clashes Lay Bare 3 Critical Issues

Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has named the three key things that need to be addressed as her side gears up for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Harambee Starlets are fresh from competing in two friendly matches against Algeria, where they lost 2-1 in the first leg and drew 1-1 in the second leg.

Across both fixtures, Harambee Starlets' dependable striker, Mwanalima ‘Dogo’ Adam, was the sole goalscorer for the Kenyan side, netting in each match to cement her status as a crucial attacking threat.

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The first encounter, played on November 26, 2025, saw the Harambee Starlets take an early lead before Algeria mounted a comeback in the second half, with Ghozlane Khazami proving to be the match-winner for the hosts.

Khazami scored the equaliser shortly after the restart and then clinched the 2-1 victory with a dramatic goal in the 90th minute.

In the return fixture on November 30, 2025, Harambee Starlets showed clear signs of improvement. Just as Harambee Starlets seemed poised for a valuable away victory, Algeria found a crucial late equaliser in the 93rd minute through Ines Belloumou, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Beldine Odemba reflected on the team’s two friendly matches against Algeria, saying that although the squad showed improvement, the results could have been better.

She explained that Harambee Starlets lost the first match 2–1 and drew the second 1–1, noting that the technical bench and players took lessons from the opening fixture.

According to Beldine Odemba, the team went into the second leg determined to correct earlier mistakes and take advantage of weaknesses they had identified in Algeria’s play.

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Beldine Odemba added that while the performances were encouraging, Harambee Starlets remain focused on improving further as they build toward the 2026 WAFCON.

“Two friendly matches, we lost the first one, drew in the second one, but it could have been better. From the first one, we took a lot of lessons, and it could be seen that we wanted to capitalise on the mistakes of our opponents, and we did our best. We are grateful that we were able to get another goal, but we were hoping for a win,” Beldine Odemba told FKF Media.

Beldine Odemba explained that the two matches highlighted several areas the Harambee Starlets still need to improve, particularly in terms of mental toughness and preparation.

The Harambee Starlets coach noted that the team must work on maintaining concentration, especially in the closing moments of matches and immediately after scoring.

According to Beldine Odemba, Harambee Starlets often struggle right after finding the net, a period she described as crucial, whereas when they stay composed and contain their opponents, they can play much better football.

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Beldine Odemba added that the friendlies helped the technical bench understand what needs to be done next and the calibre of opponents the team will face in upcoming competitions.

She expressed hope that the squad will receive strong support from both the government and the federation to ensure proper preparation ahead of future assignments.

“This shows that there are some things we need to work on, especially on mental toughness and mental preparation. We need to work on a lot of concentration, especially in the dying minutes, and immediately we score,” she added.

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“It could have been seen that when we score, we struggle a lot against the opponents, but when we contain them, we play a good game. We now know what to do and the calibre of players we are going to meet.

“We hope that we shall have a good preparation and that the government and federation will come through to help us prepare well.”

Harambee Starlets will now turn their attention fully to the road ahead, with the Algeria friendlies offering clarity on what must be sharpened before WAFCON 2026.

With improved concentration, stronger mental preparation, and proper support, Beldine Odemba believes the team has every chance to rise to the occasion in Morocco.