Kenya boss Beldine Odemba targets swift response after 4-0 Women’s Afcon loss to hosts Morocco

Kenya head coach Beldine Odemba says her side must quickly correct their mistakes after a heavy 4-0 defeat by hosts Morocco in their opening match at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Harambee Starlets were comprehensively beaten in their first Group match of the finals in Morocco, leaving them with work to do in their remaining two fixtures if they are to reach the next round.

Kenya struggled to contain the hosts, who took full advantage to begin their home campaign with a convincing victory and immediately seize the initiative in the group.

Odemba admitted her team lost their grip on the game in key moments, particularly when play changed quickly from attack to defence.

“We did not have the control we wanted during the transition phases,” Odemba said in her post-match press conference, reflecting on the manner of the defeat.

Focus turns to Senegal and Algeria

Despite the setback, Odemba stressed that Kenya’s hopes of progressing are still alive, with two group games left to play against Senegal and Algeria.

“We still have two matches against Senegal and Algeria; it is up to us to correct our mistakes,” she added, underlining that improvements must be immediate if Kenya are to stay in contention.

Kenya will face Senegal on 30 July before meeting Algeria on 3 August 2026, fixtures that are likely to determine their fate in the tournament.

The coach and her squad now have a short window to analyse the loss to Morocco, address the issues highlighted in transitions, and reset mentally ahead of what are effectively must-win encounters.

Tournament context

The 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is being staged in Morocco, with the hosts aiming to build on recent progress in the women’s game, while nations such as Kenya are looking to advance from the group stage and deepen their experience at major continental level.

For Kenya, the margin of the defeat means goal difference could also become a factor if qualification from the group comes down to fine details, adding further pressure to secure positive results against Senegal and Algeria.

Odemba’s message, however, remains focused on internal improvement rather than external scenarios, as Kenya seek a swift reaction to keep their Women’s Afcon campaign alive.