Odemba: Kenya Learnt Valuable Lessons Despite WAFCON Exit
Odemba's Harambee starlets out of WAFCON
Kenya exit WAFCON 2026 after 2-0 loss to Algeria. Harambee Starlets bow out of WAFCON without a point.
Kenya coach Odemba says Starlets took key lessons from WAFCON 2026 despite early exit...
Harambee Starlets’ run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations ended on Monday with a 2-0 loss to Algeria at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.
Kenya were already out of quarter-final contention after defeats to hosts Morocco and Senegal. Algeria, meanwhile, needed a win to seal a knockout spot, though a draw would have been enough if Senegal dropped points against Morocco.
Kenya were 2-0 down after just 14 minutes as Algeria scored twice in a nine-minute burst.
The opener came in the 14th minute when Algeria forward Marine Dafeur curled home a brilliant indirect free-kick, leaving goalkeeper Lilian Awuor with no chance.
Kenya’s defence of Enez Mango, Ruth Ingosti, Elizabeth Ochaka and Euphrasier Shilwatso looked unsettled from the start, and they were punished again when Ochaka lost possession. That mistake let Lynda Bendris make it 2-0 in the 23rd minute.
The Starlets’ best opening came with 10 minutes left. Captain Mwanalima Jereko showed great control with her first touch before firing a low shot that drifted just wide.
The loss left Kenya bottom of Group A with zero points after three straight defeats.
Hosts Morocco won the group on seven points, with Algeria joining them in the knockouts on six. Senegal also bowed out after failing to advance.
Odemba: WAFCON exit will help Starlets grow
Speaking after the match, Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba said the team would take the lessons from Morocco and use them to improve going forward.
“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 also conceded that the team had not lived up to their own standards at WAFCON 2026.
Kenya ended the tournament without scoring and shipped seven goals across their three matches.
“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.”
The Harambee Starlets entered their last Group A game still chasing a first win at WAFCON 2026. It was also the first ever meeting between Kenya and Algeria in the tournament’s history.
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