The Harambee Starlets will play against Algeria on Sunday evening in the second of their two-legged international friendly fixtures at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, Algeria.
The Starlets enter the rematch determined to overturn the outcome of the first game, where they suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in stoppage time on Tuesday.
This double-header marks the final international window of 2025 as both nations fine-tune their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), a tournament Kenya will be gracing for only the second time in history.
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Harambee Starlets seek redemption in Algeria friendly rematch
The Desert Foxes will be looking to make it four consecutive victories having secured wins by a margin of one goal in each of their last three outings where they faced Kenya and Cameroon in a two legged tie.
Starlets on their part are seeking to bounce back from Tuesday’s setback where they lost 2-1 to the hosts.
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The two countries are meeting for just the fourth time in history,the first two meetings ended in 2-2 and 1-1 draw respectively.
Prior to this fixture, Algeria had won three of their last five matches,lost one and drew one while Kenya secured three wins and two losses in the same period.
Youngster Valerie Nekesa, who made her senior debut as a substitute in the first fixture is focused on making an impact when called upon.
We know that the weather will be a bit different, possibly raining but we are going to push and make effort and we will win that match,” said Nekesa.
The seniors are encouraging us a lot and I know I will also deliver for them. I got the chance to play as a substitute in the last match, though I didn’t score I know if I get another opportunity I won’t fail to find the back of the net.”
On her part assistant captain Ruth Ingosi believes they have learnt from the opening fixture loss.
The game was good. Yes, we lost, but this has been a learning moment.
We’ve seen where we went wrong, and we will work on fixing the mistakes. On Sunday, we won’t repeat them.” said the Simba Queens defender.
The two matches against a formidable opponent,in Algeria will serve as a crucial test ahead of the return of the Dorcas Shikobe captained team at the continental tournament in 2026.
