Kenya learnt vital lessons from WAFCON 2026 despite exit, says coach Odemba

While Kenya’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals had already faded following defeats to hosts Morocco and Senegal, Algeria knew victory would guarantee its place in the knockout stage, while a draw could also be enough if Senegal fails to defeat Morocco.

Kenya found themselves trailing 2-0 with only 14 minutes played after Algeria struck twice in a space of nine minutes.

First, it was Algeria forward Marine Dafeur, who found the back of the net in the 14th minute after curling in a superb effort from an indirect free-kick, beating custodian Lilian Awuor.

Kenya’s backline consisting of Enez Mango, Ruth Ingosti, Elizabeth Ochaka, and Euphrasier Shilwatso looked shaky from kick-off, and they conceded the second goal after Ochaka was dispossessed, allowing Lynda Bendris to score in the 23rd minute.

The East Africans' best chance arrived 10 minutes from time when captain Mwanalima Jereko produced an excellent first touch to bring the ball under control before sending a low effort just wide of the post.

The defeat saw the Starlets finish bottom of Group A without a point, having lost all three group matches.

Hosts Morocco topped the group with seven points, while Algeria advanced to the knockout stage with six points. Senegal also exited the tournament after failing to progress.

Kenya learnt valuable lessons

Speaking after the match, Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba said the team would use the experience gained in Morocco as a learning opportunity.

“We had hoped to perform better throughout the tournament. We have picked valuable lessons, particularly in our tactical approach and preparation,” said Odemba.

“We have also learnt the importance of converting the chances we create. Although we had good preparations, including participating in the FIFA Series, playing more international friendly matches would have made a difference.”

Odemba further admitted the team had fallen short of their own expectations at the 2026 WAFCON. Kenya finished the campaign without scoring a goal and conceding seven goals.

“We were hoping that we would do better than we did. We were hoping that we would do better in the tournament,” explained Odemba.

“It has been a lot of lessons picked from preparation to tactical approaches, to playing different quality of players, a lot of understanding of the competition.

“We need to engage more with teams that are better ranked and to prepare well for the next one. From this one, we draw our lessons. For the next one, we will try to play out of the group stage.”

Harambee Starlets went into the final Group A fixture searching for their first victory in the 2026 edition. In WAFCON history, this was the first meeting between Kenya and Algeria.

Kenya return winless

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed acknowledged the disappointing campaign, saying the federation would now focus on rebuilding the team ahead of future assignments.

Kenya returned to WAFCON less than two years after the country’s U-17 women’s side became the first-ever Kenyan team to qualify for a World Cup, earning a ticket to the global showpiece in the Dominican Republic.

“It has been 10 years since we last featured in the continent’s biggest women’s football competition. The most important thing is that we have gained valuable experience,” said Mohammed.

“It is disappointing that we did not win a single match, but we will go back, correct our mistakes and plan well to build a stronger team for the future.”

Starlets also failed to score a goal during their return to the continental tournament after a decade-long absence.

Kenya made their WAFCON debut in Cameroon in 2016, where they scored two goals but were eliminated at the group stage, also without recording a victory in the continent’s premier women's football competition.