Kenya's Harambee Starlets concluded their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) journey after a 2-0 defeat to Algeria in their final Group A match held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Algeria secured their quarter-final spot with first-half goals from Marine Dafeur, a Bristol City midfielder, and Lynda Bendris. The result marked Kenya's third consecutive loss in the tournament, leaving them without any points.
Match Overview
- Coach Beldine Odemba introduced three changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Enez Mango, Martha Amunyolete, and Valerie Nekesa.
- Dafeur opened the scoring in the 13th minute, followed by Bendris doubling the lead ten minutes later.
- Kenya had notable chances, including a missed opportunity by Amunyolete in the 27th minute and a cross to Terry Engesha shortly after, but Algeria's goalkeeper Chloé Yamina N'Gazi was effective.
- Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor made a key save in the 37th minute but was later replaced by Annette Kundu due to injury.
- In the second half, Algeria maintained pressure, with Bendris narrowly missing further goals, while Nekesa tested N'Gazi with a close attempt at the 62nd minute.
- Substitutions by Odemba late in the game, including bringing on Vivian Nasaka and Eglay Mukhwana, did not change the outcome.
Group A Summary
The Harambee Starlets finished at the bottom of Group A after defeats to Morocco (4-0), Senegal (1-0), and Algeria (2-0). Meanwhile, Senegal was also eliminated following a goalless draw with hosts Morocco.
