Kenya Women endured a difficult afternoon in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as Algeria Women secured a convincing 2-0 victory in their Round 3 encounter.
Two first-half goals proved decisive. Marine Dafeur opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Lina Bendris doubled Algeria’s advantage nine minutes later. Although the Harambee Starlets improved defensively after the break, they could not find the goal required to launch a comeback.
Dafeur Gives Algeria the Perfect Start
The match began with Algeria playing confidently and putting Kenya under immediate pressure. Despite losing Selma Guellati to injury in the seventh minute, the North African side remained composed.
Their pressure led to a breakthrough in the 14th minute, when Dafeur found the net to establish a 1-0 lead. Kenya struggled to settle after conceding, allowing Algeria to maintain control and search for a second goal.
Bendris provided it in the 23rd minute, giving Algeria a commanding advantage before the half-hour mark.
Early Changes Highlight Kenya’s Struggles
Kenya responded by making two substitutions in the 31st minute. Anna Kundu replaced Lorna Awuor, while Mwanalima Serenge came on for Airo.
The double change showed Kenya’s determination to alter the course of the match. However, Algeria protected their two-goal cushion and reached half-time firmly in control.
Harambee Starlets Improve After Half-Time
Kenya introduced S. Nambengele for Tereza Engesha at the beginning of the second half. The change brought renewed energy as the Harambee Starlets attempted to play with greater urgency.
Nambengele quickly became involved but received a yellow card in the 52nd minute. Esse Akida Shilwatso was also booked six minutes later as the match became increasingly physical.
Kenya defended more effectively in the second period and prevented Algeria from scoring again. The Starlets, however, lacked the cutting edge needed to consistently trouble the Algerian defense.
Algeria Managed the Match Professionally
Algeria used their substitutions effectively to preserve their lead. Widad Alouache, Nesrine Naili and W. Bouzid were introduced in the 71st minute as the Desert Foxes refreshed their side for the closing stages.
Kenya responded two minutes later by bringing on E. Mukhwana and V. Makokha. Despite those late adjustments, Algeria remained organized and completed the match without conceding.
What the Result Means for Kenya
The 2-0 defeat underlines the importance of concentration during the opening stages of major tournament matches. Conceding twice within the first 23 minutes left Kenya chasing the contest against a disciplined opponent.
There were still encouraging signs in the second-half performance. The Harambee Starlets kept a clean sheet after the interval and showed greater defensive stability. Going forward, Kenya must turn that resilience into attacking opportunities and become more clinical around the opposition penalty area.
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Final Verdict
Algeria deserved the victory after producing a decisive and efficient first-half display. Goals from Dafeur and Bendris gave them complete control, while their disciplined defending denied Kenya a route back into the contest.
For the Harambee Starlets, the result is disappointing, but their improved second-half showing offers something to build upon. Kenya must now address its slow starts and attacking limitations as it continues working toward becoming a stronger force in African women’s football.
Final score: Kenya Women 0-2 Algeria Women
Scorers: Marine Dafeur 14’, Lina Bendris 23’
