Coach Odemba Names 23-Player Squad for Algeria Friendlies

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 matches, scheduled for Wednesday, November 26 and Sunday, November 30, 2025, will be played in Bilda, Algeria. With Algeria currently ranked 80th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, the fixtures will serve as an important test as Starlets begin shaping their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Squad Additions

Coach Odemba has made a few changes from the squad that secured WAFCON qualification against the Gambia. Emily Moranga, Providence Mukalo, Valerie Nekesa, Sheryl Muyera and Euphraiser Shilwatso have been included in the traveling party.

Vihiga Queens’ Midfielder Mukalo makes a return to the national outfit as  Zetech Sparks Defender Sheryl Muyera earns her first call up.

Shilwatso, who earned a late call-up during the Gambia qualifiers but did not make the final squad, now returns with an opportunity to stake her claim ahead of a busy year for the national team.

Ulinzi Starlets’ Tabitha Amoit and Lavender Ann will not be part of the travelling squad, as both players have joined the Kenya Defence Forces Recruit Training School (DFRTS) in Eldoret for military training.
Forward Violet Nanjala also misses out as she continues her recovery from the injury she sustained during the second leg match against Gambia.

Focus After WAFCON Qualification

The friendlies come shortly after the Starlets sealed a 4–1 aggregate victory over Gambia in the second round of the WAFCON qualifiers. The result confirmed Kenya’s return to the continental stage for only the second time in history after their debut in 2016.

With WAFCON 2026 doubling up as a qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the team has set a clear target of reaching the semifinals in order to secure a historic place at the global tournament. The Algeria matches will therefore offer important minutes and tactical refinement as the team continues its build-up.

Camp and Travel Plans

The team will report to camp on Friday, November 21, 2025, before departing for Algeria on Sunday, November 23, 2025.