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WAFCON: Harambee Starlets keeper Lilian Awuor backs Kenya to redeem its image against Algeria
02nd August, 2026 07:49 PM
Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor has refused to rule out Kenya’s chances of reaching the knockout stages, insisting the team aims to redeem itself in their final Group A fixture against Algeria.
Kenya entered the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) targeting at least a semi-final berth.
However, those ambitions took a severe hit following a dismal start, beginning with a humbling 4–0 defeat to hosts Morocco before a narrow 1–0 loss to Senegal left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Despite the slow start, the Romania-based shot-stopper echoed head coach Beldine Odemba’s sentiments, confirming that morale remains high ahead of the crucial clash against the North Africans.
Not over yet
“It’s not over until it’s over. We are well-prepared and fully focused on securing a win to push us through to the next round,” Awuor said.
The 2026 league winner with Farul Constanta also gave a snippet of the mood of the girls, emphasising that early setbacks have not dampened their resolve to finish the group stage on a high.
“Mentally, we are strong. It will all be decided on the pitch over 90 minutes. Football is a game of surprises, and we still believe in our ability to reach our quarter-final goal. With a solid mix of experienced players and young talent, we’re going to give everything in this final match.”
Kenya’s next test is against Algeria on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the Olympic Stadium, in their last preliminary match, needing a miracle to qualify.
Speaking on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in Rabat, coach Beldine Odemba noted the little progress in the team’s opening defeats, with hopes that they remain keen to make the small gains count in the final group game.
Improvements
“We have been playing much better than in the previous match. We keep on improving in our matches, and it is our target to improve in all the departments; it could be slow progress, but we are determined, and I am hopeful we will play better than the previous matches,” she stated.
She underscored the importance of utilising their goal-scoring chances, an undoing she said haunted them during the 1-0 loss to Senegal.
“We still have 90 minutes, and we will give our best in the remaining time. We are positive we will fight and play like it is our first match and try to get something out of it,” she added.
Kenya’s final group clash kicks off at 11:00 pm
