Lead image for Kenya’s Wafcon dream dies in Rabat as Algeria seals Starlet’s fate.
In Rabat
Kenya's Harambee Starlets were eliminated from the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations tournament on Monday night after losing 2-0 to Algeria in their final Group A match at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Having lost their opening two matches against hosts Morocco (4-0) and Senegal (1-0), Kenya went into Monday's match knowing that only a win would keep their slim qualification hopes alive.
Coach Beldine Odemba's team showed better defensive organisation, but found it hard to get past a well-disciplined Algerian team.
Algeria got off to a flying start in the 14th minute when captain Marine Dafeur curled a superb long-range free kick beyond Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor to put the North Africans in the lead.
They doubled their advantage nine minutes later after relentless pressing forced a costly error. Lynda Bendris capitalised on a misplaced pass from defender Elizabeth Ochaka before finishing past Awuor. The goalkeeper managed to get a hand to the ball, but could not prevent it from crossing the line.
Kenya attempted to respond before half-time, with Martha Emedot firing narrowly wide from a distance in the 26th minute. Algeria continued to threaten, nearly adding a third in the 37th minute when Morgane Ikene's header drifted just past the upright.
The Starlets enjoyed more possession after the restart and showed greater composure in midfield, but Algeria's organised defence limited them to few clear-cut opportunities.