Benin beat Kenya 2-0 in WAFCON warm-up tournament

Benin’s women’s national team ended their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations preparations on a high note with a 2-0 victory over Kenya in Abidjan on Monday.

Invited by hosts Ivory Coast to take part in a mini international tournament ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Amazons bounced back from an opening defeat to secure a morale-boosting win at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

Benin had begun their campaign with a 2-1 loss to the host nation but showed resilience in their second outing, overcoming Kenya’s Harambee Starlets with a disciplined and composed display.

The result ensured they finished the tournament with a victory, underlining their determination despite missing out on qualification for the upcoming continental showpiece.

The win carries added significance. While Benin will not feature at the next Africa Cup of Nations, Kenya have secured their place at the tournament.

Monday’s result therefore saw the Amazons defeat a side preparing for one of Africa’s most prestigious competitions, a performance that signals steady development within women’s football in Benin.

Throughout the match, Benin controlled key moments and capitalised on their chances, keeping Kenya at bay to secure a clean sheet.

The outcome not only provided a positive conclusion to their time in Abidjan but also offered encouragement for the team’s longer-term ambitions on the continental stage.

The mini-tournament, organised as part of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, concludes on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.

Hosts Ivory Coast will face Kenya in the final fixture at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.

For Benin, the focus now shifts to building on this progress. Although absent from the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, their performance in Abidjan suggests growing confidence and competitiveness.

The victory over Kenya offers tangible evidence that the gap is narrowing, as the Amazons continue their efforts to establish themselves among Africa’s emerging forces in women’s football.