Coach Beldine Odemba delights in Starlets improvement ahead of WAFCON

Harambee Starlets head Coach Beldine Odemba says the team’s 1–1 draw against Algeria in their second friendly showed clear signs of improvement, but also exposed areas that need urgent work as Kenya intensifies preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Kenya wrapped up her two-match international friendly window in Blida on Sunday evening, earning a well-deserved draw thanks to a composed finish from dependable striker Mwanahalima “Dogo” Adam, who found the net after a well-worked attacking move.

 The result followed a 2-1 defeat in the first encounter, meaning Starlets return home with a point and plenty of lessons ahead of what will be their second-ever appearance at WAFCON.

Speaking after the match, Coach Odemba said she was encouraged by the growth shown between the first and second match.

“Two friendly matches, we lost the first one, we drew the second one. It could have been better,” she said. “From the first one we took a lot of lessons, we worked on them and it could be seen that we were giving our best to capitalise on the opponent’s weaknesses.”

Odemba praised her players for their improved response and persistence, but stressed that there are still critical areas to polish—especially mental strength.

“We were hoping for a win, but this shows us there are things we need to work on, especially on mental toughness, mental preparation and concentration—especially in the dying minutes and immediately after we score,” she explained.

She also emphasized the need for stronger, timely support as the team enters the final phase of preparation.

“We are hoping for good and better preparation. We hope the government and the federation will support us fully to prepare in time and prepare well.”

Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, who featured in the match, echoed her coach’s sentiments, saying the team is focused on fixing “minute errors” as they build towards what they hope will be a successful 2026 WAFCON campaign.

We’ve improved from the first match, but we still have small mistakes that we must fix,” Awuor said. “As a team we’re working on our concentration, our communication and our decision-making in key moments.”