Kenya head into their final Group A match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations knowing victory against Algeria is essential if they are to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
The Harambee Starlets face the North Africans on Monday in Rabat after suffering back-to-back defeats in their opening two matches, leaving them bottom of the group without a point.
A 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in their opening fixture was followed by a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal, meaning Kenya must now produce a strong performance and hope other results go in their favour if they are to progress.
Despite the difficult situation, head coach Beldine Odemba remains optimistic that her side can produce the response required.
Speaking ahead of the match, Odemba said her team had focused on addressing the problems that have affected them during the tournament.
“We have been working on the scoring, it is something which we have lacked for the last two matches. We have also improved on our defence.
“We conceded one goal in the second match which is different from the four goals allowed against Morocco. That is the spirit going into tomorrow’s match; we want to push at least for a clean sheet for our keeper Awuor.”
Kenya have struggled to convert opportunities during the competition, with their inability to score proving costly in both group matches.
Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor echoed her coach’s confidence, insisting the squad still believes qualification remains possible despite their difficult start.
“It’s not over till it’s over. We are prepared enough for the match and we are looking forward to a win so that we can qualify to the next round.
“Football is a game of surprises and you never know we may upset the opponents. We have experienced players and young stars and we have good preparations for the match tomorrow.”
Kenya’s recent form presents another challenge.
The Harambee Starlets have now failed to win eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions, making Monday’s encounter another stern test of their resilience.
The East Africans could also be forced into a change in attack after forward Violet Nanjala was substituted through injury during the defeat to Senegal. Valerie Nekesa is expected to replace her if Nanjala is unavailable.
Algeria, meanwhile, approach the match from a far stronger position.
After opening the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Senegal, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to hosts Morocco but remain second in Group A and know that victory over Kenya should secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Head coach Farid Benstiti believes Kenya are capable of causing problems despite their position at the bottom of the standings.
“Since the draw for this tournament was done, I was very much more worried to meet Kenya than Senegal and Morocco.
“We have met before and it’s a very great team with talented players. We have tried to analyze Kenya data in vain because we couldn’t get it but we are prepared enough for tomorrow’s task.”
Algeria are expected to retain much of the side that faced Morocco, with Ikram Adjabi leading the attack and defenders Lana Smits and Roselene Khezami providing stability at the back.
Group leaders Morocco, who have six points, will face Senegal in the other Group A fixture taking place at the same time.
