Harambee Starlets enter camp ahead of Algeria friendlies as WAFCON preparations begin

Harambee Starlets have settled into camp, four days after head coach Beldine Odemba unveiled the 23 players who will travel to Algeria for a pair of high-profile international friendlies later this month.

Kenya will face Algeria on Wednesday, November 26 and again on Sunday, November 30, 2025, with both matches set for Blida.

The fixtures mark the beginning of the Starlets’ preparations for their long-awaited return to the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, ten years after their last appearance. Kenya booked their ticket to next year’s WAFCON after a convincing 4–1 aggregate win over Gambia in the final qualification round.

Odemba has introduced several fresh faces to the travelling squad compared to the group that featured in the Gambia playoff.

Emily Moranga, Providence Mukalo, Valerie Nekesa, Sheryl Muyera and Euphraiser Shilwatso are all included. Mukalo returns to the national team fold after an impressive run with Vihiga Queens, while Zetech Sparks defender Sheryl Muyera earns her maiden senior call-up.

Shilwatso, who was a late addition during the Gambia qualifiers but missed out on the final matchday squad, is handed another opportunity as Kenya begins a crucial year of rebuilding and refinement.

Two key Ulinzi Starlets players, Tabitha Amoit and Lavender Ann, will not travel as both have reported to the Kenya Defence Forces Recruit Training School in Eldoret for military drills.

Forward Violet Nanjala is also sidelined as she continues rehabilitation from the injury sustained in the second leg against Gambia.

The friendly matches come at a critical moment, with Algeria ranked 80th globally and expected to provide a stern examination of Kenya’s readiness.

With the 2026 WAFCON doubling as the qualification route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Starlets have set their ambitions high, targeting a semifinal finish to secure a historic World Cup debut.

The team checked into camp on Friday, November 21 and is scheduled to depart for Algeria on Sunday, November 23.

Final Squad

Goalkeepers

Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor

Defenders

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

Midfielders

Other Topics To Read

• Harambee Starlets
• WAFCON
• Beldine Odemba
• Africa Women’s Cup of Nations
• Harambee Starlets enter camp ahead of Algeria friendlies as WAFCON preparations begin
• Sports

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