Kenya's national women's football team Harambee Starlets bowed out of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after losing all their three matches without scoring following 2-0 defeat to Algeria in their last fixture at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Monday night.
The loss saw the Starlets finish bottom of Group A without a point, having also succumbed to hosts Morocco 4-0 and Senegal 1-0.
Morocco topped the group with seven points, advancing to the knockout stage together with second placed Algeria who had six points. Senegal also exited the tournament after failing to progress.
In a post-match interview, Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba said the team would use the experience gained in Morocco as a learning opportunity.
"We had hoped to perform better today and throughout the tournament. We have picked valuable lessons, particularly in our tactical approach and preparation. 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," noted Odemba.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed acknowledged the disappointing campaign, saying the federation would now focus on rebuilding the team ahead of future assignments.
"It has been 10 years since we last featured in the continent's biggest women's football competition. The most important thing is that we have gained valuable experience. It is disappointing that we did not win a single match, but we will go back, correct our mistakes and plan well to build a stronger team for the future," he explained.
Starlets also failed to score a goal during their return to the continental tournament after a decade-long absence. They have now not scored a goal in five matches at WAFCON since getting on the scoresheet in 3-1 losses against Ghana and Mali in 2016.
Kenya made their WAFCON debut in Cameroon in 2016, where Esse Akida scored against Ghana and then Cheris Avilia got another against Mali, but were eliminated at the group stage also without tasting victory in the continent's premier women football competition. Top four teams at this year's edition also qualify for 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
