Senegal reignited their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after edging Kenya 1-0 in a crucial Group A encounter at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Seynabou Mbengue’s first-half strike proved enough to hand the Lionesses their first victory of the tournament, bouncing back from their opening defeat to Algeria and leaving qualification for the knockout stage firmly within their grasp.
For Kenya, however, the defeat marked a second consecutive loss following their heavy opening-day setback against hosts Morocco, leaving the Harambee Starlets on the verge of elimination ahead of the final round of group matches.
The result represents an important response for Senegal, who entered the fixture under pressure after failing to collect any points in their tournament opener.
Coach Mame Moussa Cissé’s side needed a positive reaction to keep their campaign alive, and they produced one despite being tested until the closing moments.
After a cautious opening period, Senegal gradually settled into the contest and found the breakthrough through Mbengue, who finished after being set up by Awa Casset.
The goal transformed the momentum of the match as the West Africans began to play with greater confidence.
Senegal almost doubled their advantage just before the interval when Ndeye Awa Casset found space inside the penalty area.
Her effort appeared destined for the net before Kenya goalkeeper Awuor produced an outstanding save to push the ball onto the crossbar, ensuring the East Africans remained within touching distance at the break.
Kenya emerged after the restart determined to find an equaliser and began to create more opportunities.
Fasila Omondi tested Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye early in the second half, although her effort failed to trouble the shot-stopper.
The Harambee Starlets were then presented with their clearest opportunity of the evening in the 62nd minute when substitute Marion Serenge found herself in front of goal. However, she fired her effort wide, allowing Senegal to preserve their slender lead.
As the match entered its closing stages, Kenya continued to push forward in search of a vital equaliser.
Tereza Obunyu came agonisingly close after cutting inside before striking the woodwork with a low effort. The rebound fell kindly to Jereko, whose follow-up attempt was brilliantly saved by Ndiaye, who produced one of the defining moments of the contest to protect Senegal’s advantage.
Despite sustained pressure from Kenya during the closing minutes, the Lionesses defended resolutely to secure all three points.
The victory significantly strengthens Senegal’s chances of progressing from Group A, with their fate now in their own hands heading into their final group fixture.
The West Africans will now prepare for a decisive meeting with tournament hosts Morocco on Monday, knowing that another positive result could secure a place in the quarter-finals.
