Harambee Starlets exit WAFCON without scoring a goal after falling to Algeria
By Lutta Njomo, August 4, 2026Harambee Starlets crashed out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations without a single win or goal to show for their campaign.
Kenya’s hopes of making an impression in Morocco were dealt a final blow with a 2-0 defeat to Algeria in their last group-stage fixture at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Monday, August 3, 2026.
The victory lifted Algeria into second place in Group A, behind hosts Morocco.
It marked the first time Kenya has failed to score across all three group matches at a WAFCON tournament. Even at the 2016 edition in Cameroon, where they finished bottom of Group B and lost all three games under coach David Ouma, the Starlets still managed two goals, despite shipping ten.
Match report
Algeria were ruthlessly efficient in the first half, striking twice inside 30 minutes before comfortably managing the game to seal their place in the knockout rounds.
Captain Marine Defeur set the tone in the 14th minute, curling a stunning long-range free-kick beyond goalkeeper Lilian Awuor to hand Algeria the lead.
The North Africans doubled their advantage nine minutes later through Lynda Bendris, whose relentless press forced a costly error inside the box before she fired at goal. Awuor got a hand to the effort, but could not keep it out.
Facing an uphill battle, Kenya coach Beldine Odemba responded with two changes , Annedy Kundu replacing Awuor in goal, and Fasila Adhiambo coming on for Mercy Airo.
Starlets push for a way back
Kenya responded with intent. In the 26th minute, Martha Emedot let fly from distance, her effort drifting agonisingly wide.
Algeria continued to look dangerous, and nearly extended their lead just before the break when Morgane Ikene rose highest to meet a cross in the 37th minute, her header whistling narrowly past the post.
The Starlets came out fighting after the interval, dominating possession as they hunted for a way back into the game , but Algeria’s well-organised defence held firm, denying any clear-cut chances.
Kenya’s best opportunity came ten minutes from time, when captain Mwanalima Jereko controlled the ball superbly before curling a low effort just wide of the target.
Despite an improved second-half showing, Kenya could not find the breakthrough, and Algeria saw out the win to book their quarter-final spot, finishing second in Group A, one point behind hosts Morocco.
Harambee Starlets started with a 4-0 loss to hosts Morocco before losing to Senegal 1-0.