Ivory Coast defeat Kenya in final Women’s AFCON preparation match

Ivory Coast’s women’s national team secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kenya on Wednesday in their final friendly match before the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The win, achieved in front of a home crowd, provided the Elephants with a positive conclusion to their preparations for the continental tournament.

Although the margin was slim, the result allowed the team to confirm aspects of their tactical approach while gaining valuable confidence ahead of the competition.

The match took place at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, a venue that has become an important symbol of football in the country.

Playing in familiar surroundings, the Ivorian side managed to keep a clean sheet against a determined Kenyan team that resisted throughout much of the encounter.

For the coaching staff, the fixture served as the final opportunity to test the squad in match conditions before the tournament begins.

The game allowed them to evaluate the team’s defensive organisation and overall cohesion, while also making adjustments to the tactical setup.

Despite controlling large periods of the match, Ivory Coast were unable to extend their lead, highlighting an area that may require improvement before the start of the competition.

Their attacking efficiency is expected to be one of the key aspects to monitor once the team enters the continental tournament.

Nevertheless, the result offered reassurance after weeks of preparation. The players leave Abidjan with momentum and the confidence that comes from ending their warm-up schedule with a victory.

At the same time, the narrow nature of the win serves as a reminder that further progress will be required if the Elephants hope to challenge strongly during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

With preparations now complete, the focus shifts to the continental stage, where Ivory Coast will aim to translate their preparation work into stronger performances and compete for one of African women’s football’s biggest honours.