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2026 WAFCON: Kenya’s group rivals Algeria, lay down marker with win over Zambia
23rd July, 2026 03:25 PM
Kenyan opponents in the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Algeria, wrapped up their pre-tournament friendly with a 1–0 victory over Zambia on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
The clash was staged in Blida, Algeria, where the Zambians have been in camp ahead of the 15th edition of the WAFCON tournament, which will feature Kenya’s Harambee Starlets under head coach Beldine Odemba.
Back-to-back friendlies
Naili Nouhed struck the decisive goal in the 84th minute to hand the hosts the win. The visitors had a chance to level matters from the penalty spot after Grace Chanda was hacked inside the box, but Oseke Lubanji smashed her effort against the crossbar.
The two teams had previously met on Sunday, July 19, 2026, ending in a 1–1 draw after Zambia conceded a late equaliser.
This late goal sealed a memorable victory for the Algerian side, which faced a full-strength Zambian squad that featured marauding skipper Barbra Banda. Banda was also part of the team during the Four Nations Tournament, where the Copper Queens edged Kenya on penalties, though she missed that specific clash through injury.
Despite the winless run across the two friendly games, the Zambian skipper remained adamant that team morale had not taken a hit.
“Our morale in the team is still high. We are going to the WAFCON and our mentality has not been disturbed by this friendly game. Instead, we are focused on the WAFCON,” Banda said in an interview with FAZ.
“As a team, we are going there focused and ready to work hard in order to go past the group stage. We still have time to amend things and go back to the drawing board. We have learned something as a team, and we will not lose focus. We are going to the WAFCON to qualify for the World Cup and probably win the WAFCON.”
Zambia will play in a tough group against favorites Nigeria and Egypt. Banda also acknowledged the high level of competition expected in the tournament:
“Every team has improved, and no team is going there just to participate. Every team is going there to compete. It is a tough group, but all in all, as a team, we are going there with full force.”
The 2026 edition of WAFCON kicks off this Sunday, July 26, 2026, and continues to August 16, 2026, in Morocco
