Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 23-player squad that will travel for two high-profile international friendlies against Algeria later this month, Football Federation of Kenya (FKF) has announced.

In a statement, FKF stated that the matches, scheduled for November 26 and November 30, 2025, will be played in Bilda, Algeria.

With Algeria currently placed 80th in 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.

The friendlies come days 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.

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 squad.

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.

With WAFCON 2026 doubling up as a qualification road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the team has set a clear target of reaching the semi-finals 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.

Final squad includes:

Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu and Lilian Awuor.

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

Midfielders: 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, and Emily Morang’a.

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

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Anita Omwenga