- Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has outlined the key areas the team will focus on following their FIFA International Friendly series against Algeria.
- The Harambee Starlets played two matches in Algeria, losing the first 2–1 before being held to a 1–1 draw in the rematch on Sunday, November 30.
- Among the major lessons learned is the need to improve, particularly in mental toughness, psychological preparation, and overall focus.
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has highlighted the key lessons her team learned from their two-match FIFA international friendly series against Algeria at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida.
The Starlets faced the Desert Foxes in the first fixture last Tuesday, falling 2-1.
Sensational striker Mwanalima Adam had given Kenya the lead, but the squad relented, allowing the hosts to score twice and secure victory.
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Seeking redemption and aiming to rectify their errors, Odemba’s side faced the same opponent again on Sunday at the same venue.
Despite taking a 1-0 lead, they could not hold on, as Algeria fought back to force a 1-1 draw.
Mwanalima Adam opened the scoring in the first half, just as she had in the initial match.
However, West Ham’s Ines Belloumou ensured the hosts earned four points from the series with a stoppage-time equalizer.
Odemba: Team implemented improvements but must sharpen execution
Speaking after the match, Odemba stated that the team took lessons from the first game and entered the second having worked on certain aspects.
They managed to score, but the result ultimately eluded them.
In these two friendlies, we lost the first and drew the second – one we could have performed better in. We took lessons from the opening match and learned from them. It was clear we gave our best and tried to capitalize on our opponent’s weaknesses. We are grateful we were able to score again,” Odemba explained.
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She further outlined key areas the team will focus on following these international friendlies.
We were hoping for the win, and this shows we still have things to improve, especially mental toughness and preparation.
We need greater concentration, particularly in the dying minutes immediately after we score, because we tend to drop back and invite pressure, allowing opponents to capitalize,” she added.
This double-header marked the final international window of 2025, with both nations fine-tuning 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.
Yes, this is a valuable lesson for us as a national team preparing for WAFCON. We now understand the caliber of opponents we will face and what we need to work on.
With the support of the Federation and the government, we will focus on thorough preparation for the tournament,” she concluded.
