Kenya and Algeria reveal starting line-ups for decisive Women’s AFCON clash

With one hour remaining before kick-off, Kenya and Algeria have confirmed their starting line-ups for a crucial Group A match at the Stade Olympique de Rabat in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.

The tension is building in Rabat as both teams prepare for the final round of group-stage fixtures. Kenya manager Beldine Odemba and Algeria manager Farid Benstiti have now selected the players who will begin the match.

The confirmed teams provide the clearest indication yet of how both sides will approach an important contest at the tournament. Kenya will be led by captain Mwanalima Adam Jereko, while Sofia Guellati will wear the armband for Algeria.

Kenya starting XI

Kenya’s starting team is:

Lilian Onyango Awuor; Mwanalima Adam Jereko (captain), Martha Amunyolete Emedot, Tereza Obunyu, Mercy Airo, Elizabeth Ochaka, Valerie Nekesa, Ruth Mukalukho Ingosi, Fasila Omondi, Euphrasier Shilwatso and Enez Mudeizi Mango.

Odemba has opted for a line-up featuring Jereko as captain, with Onyango Awuor, Amunyolete Emedot, Obunyu and Airo also named among the starters.

Ochaka and Nekesa are included in the Kenyan team, alongside Mukalukho Ingosi, Omondi, Shilwatso and Mudeizi Mango. The XI will now prepare to take the field in the final Group A fixture.

Algeria starting XI

Algeria will begin with:

Chloe Yamina N’Gazi; Sofia Guellati (captain), Roselene Khezami, Melissa Bethi, Lynda Bendris, Ines Boutaleb, Ines Belloumou, Morgane Ikene, Amira Ould Braham, Marine Dafeur and Lana Lili Smits Ouraghi.

Guellati has been appointed captain for Benstiti’s side and is named alongside Khezami, Bethi and Bendris in the starting team.

Boutaleb, Belloumou and Ikene are also selected, while Ould Braham, Dafeur and Smits Ouraghi complete the Algerian XI with goalkeeper N’Gazi.

The two managers have therefore settled on their teams shortly before the official start of the match. The fixture takes place at the Stade Olympique de Rabat as the Group A campaign reaches its final day, with both Kenya and Algeria now knowing exactly which players will carry their hopes from the opening whistle.

The confirmed line-ups come as anticipation reaches its highest point at the stadium. With kick-off approaching, the focus now turns from team selection to the decisive meeting between Kenya and Algeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.