Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has expressed frustration over Kenya's 1-0 loss to Senegal in their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group A match held at Rabat's Olympic Stadium.
The decisive goal came in the 34th minute when Senegal's Seynabou Mbengue capitalized on a defensive lapse by Kenya. This defeat leaves Kenya at the bottom of their group after two matches, dimming their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds.
Odemba highlighted that Kenya created numerous scoring chances but failed to convert them, which contrasted with Senegal's clinical finishing. She also acknowledged defensive mistakes that led to conceding the goal.
Reflecting on their opening 4-0 loss to Morocco, Odemba noted improvements in the team's play but emphasized the need to sharpen finishing and defensive solidity.
Odemba's remarks:
- "We would have done better if we had defended well and converted the chances we created."
- "The goal they scored came from our mistake."
- "We are still in the competition and must keep believing. We hope to secure our first win against Algeria."
- "From these matches, we have identified areas to improve, especially defense and finishing."
Defender Vivian Nasaka echoed the coach's disappointment about missed opportunities but remained hopeful ahead of their final group game versus Algeria.
Nasaka said: "We created several clear one-on-one chances but failed to convert them. Tactically, we had the upper hand, but Senegal took their chance while we did not."
Senegal midfielder Sadigatou Diallo praised Kenya's performance despite the result, calling it a tough contest.
Kenya now faces a challenging task to qualify, needing a win by at least six goals over Algeria and relying on Morocco to defeat Senegal in the final group match.
