Woeful Kenya exit WAFCON 2026 without victory after humbling Algeria thumping

Harambee Starlets went into the final Group A fixture searching for their first victory in the 2026 edition. In WAFCON history, this was the first meeting between Kenya and Algeria.

While Kenya’s chances of reaching the next round had already faded away following defeats to hosts Morocco and Senegal, Algeria knew victory would guarantee them a place in the knockout stage, while a draw could also be enough if Senegal fails to defeat Morocco.

Kenya found themselves trailing 2-0 with only 14 minutes played after Algeria struck twice in a space of nine minutes.

First, it was Algeria forward Marine Dafeur, who found the back of the net in the 14th minute after curling in a superb effort from an indirect free-kick, beating custodian Lilian Awuor all the way.

Kenya defence line gift Algeria

Kenya’s backline consisting of Enez Mango, Ruth Ingosti, Elizabeth Ochaka, and Euphrasier Shilwatso looked shaky from kick off, and they conceded the second goal after Ochaka was dispossessed allowing Lynda Bendris to score in the 23rd minute.

After the two goals, Kenya coach Beldine Odemba made two tactical changes, custodian Awuor coming out for Annedy Kundu, while Mercy Airo was replaced by midfielder Fasila Adhiambo.

Kenya’s first chance to reduce the deficit arrived in the 31st minute. Terry Engesha got herself into a shooting opportunity inside the box, but her weak effort was comfortably punched away by the Algerian keeper Chloe N'Gazi.

Two minutes later, Kenya once again knocked on Algeria’s door, this time Mwanalima Jereko Dogo getting onto the end of a close-range chance, but her effort flashed inches wide of the post.

The game went into the half-time break with Algeria leading 2-0, but it was a woeful first-half performance from the Harambee Starlets.

Defensive mistakes had gifted Algeria both goals, while Kenya struggled to create meaningful chances and looked below the required level.

Algeria had opened their WAFCON tournament with a win over Senegal before narrowly losing to hosts Morocco, while Kenya had lost 4-0 against Morocco in the opener, before losing 1-0 against Senegal.

Kenya failed to score in Morocco

The North Africans had defeated three nations in their first WAFCON meeting: Mali in 2004, Botswana at the last edition and Senegal at the current tournament.

Kenya’s slim chance to come back into the game continued to dwindle after Ochaka was shown a yellow card within seconds of the restart, going into the referee’s book with her very first touch.

In the 48th minute, Kenya coach Odemba made more changes with Shaline Nambengele being introduced for Engesha.

Knowing they were leading 2-0, Algeria continued to play defensively while looking for an opportunity to attack.

Kenya went into the game having gone 279 minutes at the finals without scoring. Their most recent goal was scored by Cheris Salano in the 80th minute of their 3-1 defeat to Mali in their second group game in 2016.

Kenya got another great opportunity to make it 2-1 in the 63rd minute. Valerie Nekesa found herself through on goal but she hesitated to pull the trigger allowing Algeria defender Roselene Khezami to close in and clear the danger.

Starlets had attempted 22 shots against Senegal, with six on target, their highest totals on record in a WAFCON match.

With time running out, Odemba summoned to the bench for another double change - Euphraiser Shilwatso coming in for Vivian Makokha, while Martha Amunyolet was rested for Eglay Mukhwana. Despite the changes, Kenya were not able to score as Algeria held on to register victory.

This was the first tournament at which Kenya failed to score in either of their opening three group games.

At the 2016 WAFCON in Cameroon, Kenya finished bottom of Group B, losing all three of their matches under coach David Ouma. They scored a total of two goals and conceded ten.