Harambee Starlets end forgettable WAFCON 2026 campaign with 2-0 loss to Algeria

Kenya's Harambee Starlets bowed out of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Algeria in their final Group A match on Monday at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

First-half goals from Bristol City midfielder Marine Dafeur and Lynda Bendris secured Algeria's place in the quarter-finals and condemned Kenya to a third successive defeat of the tournament, ending their campaign without a point.

Coach Beldine Odemba made three changes to the side that narrowly lost 1-0 to Senegal in their previous outing. Enez Mango, Martha Amunyolete and Valerie Nekesa came into the starting line-up, replacing Leah Andiema, Lorna Nyarinda and Violet Nanjala.

Algeria took the lead in the 13th minute when Dafeur found the back of the net before Bendris doubled the advantage 10 minutes later to put the North Africans firmly in control.

Kenya had an excellent opportunity to pull one back in the 27th minute when Amunyolete was played through on goal, but with only goalkeeper Chloé Yamina N'Gazi to beat, she dragged her effort wide.

A minute later, Fasila Odhiambo delivered an inviting cross to Terry Engesha, whose effort was comfortably dealt with by N'Gazi.

Algeria nearly extended their lead in the 37th minute, but goalkeeper Lilian Awuor produced a fine save to deny Dafeur her second goal of the evening.

Odemba made a double substitution shortly after the half-hour mark, introducing Marion Serenge for Mercy Airo, while goalkeeper Annette Kundu replaced the injured Lilian Awuor.

Algeria continued to dominate after the break and created several clear-cut chances, with Bendris twice going close but failing to hit the target.

Kenya also threatened, and Valerie Nekesa came closest in the 62nd minute after breaking through on goal, only for N'Gazi to make another crucial save.

Odemba made two further changes in the 72nd minute, bringing on Vivian Nasaka and Eglay Mukhwana for Euphrasier Shilwatso and Amunyolete, but the substitutions failed to spark a comeback.

The Starlets finished the tournament rooted to the bottom of Group A after losing all three of their matches. They opened their campaign with a 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco before falling 1-0 to Senegal and ending with Monday's loss to Algeria.

In the group's other fixture, Senegal were also eliminated after playing out a goalless draw with hosts Morocco at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.