Harambee Starlets’ Extend WAFCON Wait for First point and Win after 2026 Exit

Kenya's campaign at the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations came to a an end after Algeria claimed a 2-0 victory at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Monday night.

First-half goals from captain Marine Dafeur and Lynda Bendris were enough to hand Les Vertes maximum points in the Group A encounter, condemning Harambee Starlets to a third straight defeat and another winless outing at the continental showpiece.

Kenya required nothing less than a convincing victory by at least four goals while hoping the result in the parallel Group A clash between Morocco and Senegal swung in their favour to keep their slim qualification hopes alive.

Algeria, on the other hand, only needed a point to guarantee progression after an impressive defensive campaign that had seen them concede no goals heading into the final group match.

Kenya finished bottom of Group A without collecting a single point or scoring a goal in three matches, their worst-ever performance at the tournament.

Having also exited without a win during their maiden appearance in 2016, the Starlets' wait for a first-ever victory at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations continues.

Kenya vs Algeria Lineups

Match Lineups
Kenya (Harambee Starlets): Lilian Awuor (GK), Euphraiser Shilwatso, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Leah Andiema, Mercy Airo, Martha Amunyolet, Mwanalima Jereko (C), Valerie Nekesa, Terry Engesha, Fasila Adhiambo.

Algeria: Chloé N’Gazi (GK), Morgane Ikene, Lana Smits, Roselene Khezami, Inès Belloumou, Amira Ould Braham, Marine Dafeur (C), Lynda Bendris, Melissa Bethi, Lina Boussaha, Ikram Adjabi.