Harambee Starlets Exit WAFCON 2026 Winless as Cameroon Claim First Title

Kenya's return to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) ended at the group stage after the Harambee Starlets finished their 2026 campaign in Morocco without a point.

Algeria 2-0 Kenya

Beldine Odemba's side closed their Group A campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Algeria at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Marine Dafeur opened the scoring with a 14th-minute free-kick, and Lynda Bendris doubled the lead nine minutes later. Kenya improved after the break but could not break through.

Kenya's WAFCON 2026 results

Morocco 4-0 Kenya.

Senegal 1-0 Kenya.

Algeria 2-0 Kenya.

The Starlets finished bottom of Group A with no points, no goals scored and seven conceded. Algeria went through as runners-up behind Morocco and reached the quarter-finals.

Odemba: lessons for the future

Odemba said the tournament gave Kenya an important benchmark after a decade away from WAFCON. She highlighted tactical preparation, more exposure to international matches and better finishing as the key areas to improve. The team did show progress, keeping Senegal to one goal and competing better against Algeria, but missed chances proved costly.

Cameroon win their first WAFCON title

Cameroon beat Malawi 3-0 in the final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on 16 August to win their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Marie Ngah scored twice and Naomi Ndjoah Eto added another as the Indomitable Lionesses settled the final in the first half. Cameroon became only the fourth nation to win the title, after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.

What next for the Harambee Starlets?

Kenya's women's game has grown in recent years, with Chapa Dimba and the FKF Women's Premier League producing players such as Jentrix Shikangwa and Marion Serenge. To compete with Africa's best, the Starlets will need more regular international friendlies, stronger domestic competition and continued investment in youth women's football.

How Kenya qualified

Reaching Morocco was an achievement in itself. The Harambee Starlets got past Tunisia in the second-to-last qualifying round, drawing 0-0 in Nairobi and winning 1-0 in Sousse through an early Terry Engesha goal, according to The Standard. In the final round they beat Gambia 3-1 at Nyayo Stadium on 24 October 2025, with goals from Mwanahalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo and debutant Shalyne Opisa, and then completed qualification in the return leg.

It was only Kenya's second appearance at the tournament, after their debut in 2016.

Why the tournament was so difficult

Kenya were drawn in the toughest kind of group: hosts Morocco, Senegal and an experienced Algeria side. Morocco reached the WAFCON final in both 2022 and 2024 and have invested heavily in women's football, so a 4-0 opening defeat in front of their home crowd was a harsh introduction.

The bigger problem was in attack. Failing to score in three matches meant Kenya never gave themselves a chance to pick up points, even in the closer games against Senegal and Algeria.

What went right

• The defence improved after the opening game, conceding only once against Senegal.
• Young players gained valuable experience against top African opposition.
• The team competed better in the second half against Algeria, showing they could adapt during matches.

What needs to change

The gap between Kenya and Africa's best women's teams is about more than one tournament. Players in countries like Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa train full time in better-funded leagues, while many Kenyan players still balance football with work or studies. A stronger FKF Women's Premier League, more international friendlies and better youth pathways in schools would all help.

Cameroon's long-awaited title

Cameroon's win was the end of a long wait. The Indomitable Lionesses had reached several finals before and been one of Africa's most consistent teams without lifting the trophy. Beating Malawi 3-0 in the final, after a strong first half, finally gave them the title.

Frequently asked questions

Who won WAFCON 2026?

Cameroon won WAFCON 2026, beating Malawi 3-0 in the final.

Who coaches the Harambee Starlets?

Beldine Odemba was the Harambee Starlets head coach at WAFCON 2026.