Harambee Starlets' defender Euphrasier Shilwatso in action against Senegal/ HANDOUTHarambee Starlets will look to end their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) campaign on a high when they battle Algeria in their last Group A preliminary match on Monday in Morocco.
Kenya sit bottom of the group with zero points following a 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco and a 1-0 loss to Senegal.
While their elimination is confirmed, a victory against Algeria would earn Beldine Odemba’s side a Sh10 million performance bonus from President William Ruto and restore confidence as they wrap up their first Wafcon appearance since 2016.
Throughout the tournament, Kenya’s main struggle has been converting chances and avoiding defensive lapses. Odemba acknowledged that mistakes proved costly in their previous match.
“We would have done better if we had defended well and converted the chances we created. The goal they (Senegal) scored came from our mistake,” Odemba said.
Algeria enter the fixture second in Group A with three points, having beaten Senegal 2-0 before losing 1-0 to Morocco. A positive result against Kenya would secure their place in the quarter-finals.
The North Africans hold a strong historical record against Kenya, remaining undefeated across four previous meetings with one win and three draws. Their last encounter, a 2025 friendly, ended in a 1-1 draw.
Despite the high stakes for his team, Algeria head coach Farid Benstiti emphasised that his squad is maintaining strict focus on tactical execution and recovery rather than calculating qualification scenarios.
Kenya may be forced to alter their starting lineup after winger Violet Nanjala picked up an injury against Senegal. Valarie Nekesa is expected to step into attack alongside Terry Engesha and Fasila Adhiambo.
Lilian Awuor is slated to start in goal, protected by a backline of Euphraiser Shilwatso, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, and Leah Andiema. Mercy Airo, Lorna Nyarinda, and Mwanalima Jereko will anchor the midfield.
Ranked 142nd in the Fifa Women’s World Rankings, Kenya will aim to finish their continental campaign with a strong performance, while Algeria look to lock down their spot in the next round.
