The Harambee Starlets are determined to bounce back in the ongoing 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco when they face Algeria on August 3 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Kenya’s campaign started on a difficult note with a 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco, followed by a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal. The Starlets currently sit at the bottom of Group A without any points.
Focus on Defense and Scoring
Head coach Beldine Odemba emphasized improvements in both defense and attack ahead of the crucial match. "We have been working on our goal-scoring opportunities, which were lacking in the first two games. Defensively, we have tightened up, conceding only one goal in the last match compared to four in the opener," she said. Odemba aims for a clean sheet to boost goalkeeper Lilian Awuor’s confidence.
Goalkeeper Awuor expressed optimism about the team's chances, describing the upcoming fixture as a "do-or-die" encounter. "We are well-prepared and eager to secure a victory that would keep our qualification hopes alive. Football often surprises, and we believe we can upset Algeria," she stated.
Algeria Cautious of Kenya’s Threat
Algeria’s head coach, Farid Benstiti, acknowledged the challenge Kenya poses, recalling their four previous encounters. He noted the difficulty in scouting Harambee Starlets due to limited data but affirmed his team’s readiness. "Since the tournament draw, Kenya has been the side we were most concerned about," Benstiti remarked.
Group A Standings and Upcoming Matches
- Morocco leads Group A with six points.
- Algeria and Senegal follow in second and third places respectively.
- Kenya remains at the bottom with zero points.
The Starlets’ match against Algeria kicks off at 11 PM Kenya time, with Morocco set to play Senegal later the same day.
