AlgeriaTeam·Algeria has advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a decisive 2-0 victory over Kenya's Harambee StarletsTeam·Harambee Starlets. The crucial Group A encounter, held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, saw AlgeriaTeam·Algeria clinch second place in the group, while Kenya exited the competition without a point or a goal.
The North African side established their lead in the first half, with captain Marine Dafeur opening the scoring in the 14th minute. Dafeur's long-range free-kick found the back of the net, setting the tone for AlgeriaTeam·Algeria's control. Just nine minutes later, Lynda Bendris capitalized on a mistake by Kenyan goalkeeper Elizabeth Ochaka, pressing effectively inside the penalty area to double AlgeriaTeam·Algeria's advantage.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Kenya sought to respond. Martha Emedot struck narrowly wide in the 26th minute, and captain Mwanalima JerekoPlayer·Mwanalima Jereko also sent a low effort just wide late in the second half, but the Harambee StarletsTeam·Harambee Starlets ultimately could not find a breakthrough. Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, who made 12 saves across her two tournament appearances, was a notable performer despite her team's struggles.
The result solidified the final standings for Group A. Hosts MoroccoTeam·Morocco finished atop the group with 7 points, remaining unbeaten and not conceding a single goal. AlgeriaTeam·Algeria secured the second qualification spot with 6 points. Senegal finished third with 4 points, while Kenya concluded their campaign at the bottom of Group A with zero points, having lost all three of their matches.
Kenya's WAFCON 2026 journey proved challenging from the outset. They suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to MoroccoTeam·Morocco in their opening fixture, followed by a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal. The 2-0 defeat to AlgeriaTeam·Algeria confirmed their winless and goalless exit, extending their drought at the finals to 279 minutes without scoring, a streak dating back to 2016.
Ahead of the match, Harambee StarletsTeam·Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba had expressed a belief in her team's progress. "We have tightened up defensively since the MoroccoTeam·Morocco defeat and are determined to finally find our scoring touch," Odemba stated, acknowledging a "gradual improvement" and emphasizing the team's commitment to "giving their best in the time still available."
AlgeriaTeam·Algeria's path to the quarter-finals included a 2-0 victory over Senegal to start their campaign, followed by a 1-0 defeat to MoroccoTeam·Morocco, which ended their five-match unbeaten run. Their decisive win against Kenya ensured their progression, joining MoroccoTeam·Morocco as the two teams from Group A to advance to the knockout stages.
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