The Harambee Starlets are under pressure at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after losing their second consecutive group match. On Thursday at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, Kenya fell 1-0 to Senegal, following a 4-0 defeat to tournament hosts Morocco in their opener.
Senegal’s Seynabou Mbengue scored the decisive goal in the 34th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Ndeye Awa. The victory helped Senegal recover from an initial 2-0 loss to Algeria.
In response to the opening defeat, Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba made four changes to the starting lineup. Euphrasier Shilwatso replaced Vivian Nasaka Makhoha in defense, Lorna Nyabuto came in for Martha Amunyolete in midfield, Mercy Airo took over from Eglay Mukhwana on the right wing, and veteran forward Violet Nanjala started ahead of Valerie Nekesa.
The Kenyan side showed early promise, with Nyabuto forcing a save in the fourth minute and Terry Engesha missing a clear chance shortly after. Odemba later substituted Nanjala for Nekesa in the 39th minute, and introduced Marion Serenge and Irine Madalina in the second half to invigorate the attack.
Despite periods of dominance in the second half, the Starlets struggled to convert opportunities. Engesha had two one-on-one chances with Senegal’s goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye but failed to score. Kenya’s goalkeeper Lilian Awuor made a crucial save in the 80th minute to deny Senegal a second goal.
Senegal coach Mousse Niang Amar also made tactical substitutions, bringing on Anta Dembele and Ndeye Diakhate to maintain their advantage.
With two losses, Kenya faces an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages in only their second WAFCON appearance. The Starlets must defeat Algeria on August 3 and hope that Morocco beats Algeria to keep their hopes alive. Currently, Morocco and Algeria top Group A with three points each, with Morocco holding a superior goal difference.
