Harambee Starlets face uphill battle at WAFCON after consecutive defeats

Harambee Starlets suffered another setback at the 2026 CAF Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in their second Group ‘A’ match at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on Thursday.

The defeat left Kenya facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages, following a heavy 4-0 loss to hosts Morocco in their tournament opener on Sunday.

Seynabou Mbengue netted the winning goal in the 34th minute, turning in Ndeye Awa’s cross to get the Lionesses of Teranga’s campaign back on track after their opening 2-0 loss to Algeria.

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba made four changes to her starting lineup following the opening defeat.

Euphrasier Shilwatso replaced Vivian Nasaka Makhoha in defence, while Lorna Nyabuto got the nod over Martha Amunyolete in midfield. Mercy Airo replaced Eglay Mukhwana on the right wing, and experienced forward Violet Nanjala started ahead of Valerie Nekesa.

The Starlets started brightly, testing Senegal early when Nyabuto produced a fourth-minute shot on target, which was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye. Three minutes later, Terry Engesha squandered a clear chance, firing wide from a Fasila Adhiambo cross.

Odemba turned to her bench early, re-introducing Valerie Nekesa for Nanjala in the 39th minute. Marion Serenge later replaced Mercy Airo in the 61st minute, while Irine Madalina came on for Nyabuto in the 86th to inject fresh momentum.

Kenya dominated periods of the second half but failed to capitalise on key opportunities. Engesha found herself one-on-one with the Senegalese keeper in both the 72nd and 76th minutes but failed to convert either chance.

At the other end, Senegal nearly doubled their lead in the 80th minute through Nguenar Ndiaye, but Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor produced a crucial save.

Senegal coach Mousse Niang Amar also refreshed his side in the second half, introducing Anta Dembele and Ndeye Diakhate for Adama Sane and Bineta.

Starlets now face a must-win clash against Algeria on August 3 as they aim to reach the knockout stage in their second-ever WAFCON appearance.

To keep their knockout stage hopes alive, the Harambee Starlets need Morocco to beat Algeria, alongside securing three points in their final group fixture.

Morocco, who were taking on Algeria at the time of publication, lead the group with three points same with Algeria but with a superior goal difference.