Women’s AFCON 2026: Senegal and Kenya face crucial Group A showdown after opening defeat

Senegal and Kenya will both be aiming to revive their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaigns when they meet in Group A on Thursday at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, with both sides looking to recover after losing their opening matches of the tournament.

After suffering defeats in their first fixtures, the two teams head into the contest knowing that a positive result would keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

With Morocco and Algeria also competing in the group, the match represents an important opportunity for both nations to return to contention before the final round of group fixtures.

Senegal looking for a response

Senegal arrived at the 2026 Women’s AFCON with ambitious objectives after reaching the quarter-finals in each of the previous two editions.

The Lionesses were hoping to build on those performances and take another step forward by challenging for a place in the last four.

However, their campaign began with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Algeria.

For much of the opening half-hour, Senegal produced an organised display and created promising moments going forward.

Mama Diop and Korka Fall both had opportunities as the team managed to keep Algeria under pressure.

The match changed before the interval when Korka Fall conceded a penalty, allowing Marine Dafeur to put Algeria ahead.

Senegal struggled to recover after falling behind and found it difficult to regain control of the contest.

Late in the match, Melissa Bethi added a second goal for Algeria after a poor clearance from goalkeeper Khady Faye.

The defeat extended Senegal’s difficult run in the group stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and increased the importance of their second fixture.

Kenya seeking improvement

Kenya also endured a difficult start to the tournament after returning to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in a decade.

The Harambee Starlets were beaten 4-0 by hosts Morocco in their opening match after conceding three goals during the opening half-hour.

Head coach Beldine Odemba responded by making three substitutions at half-time, introducing Euphrasier Shilwatso, Mercy Airo and Shaylene Opisa in an attempt to change the flow of the match.

Although Kenya only conceded once after the break, the changes were unable to alter the outcome as Morocco comfortably secured victory.

Following the match, Odemba admitted that her side had struggled in transition and acknowledged that improvements would be required in their remaining group fixtures.

Team selection questions

Both coaches could consider changes following their opening defeats.

For Senegal, attention will focus on the goalkeeping position after Khady Faye’s difficult performance against Algeria.

Her place in the starting line-up could depend on the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye, who missed the opening game through injury.

There could also be decisions to make elsewhere in the squad after several players endured challenging performances in the first match.

Kenya may also refresh its starting XI after the heavy defeat to Morocco, with the players introduced during the second half pushing for starting opportunities.

Possible Senegal line-up

Adji Ndiaye – Adama Sané, Wolimata Ndiaye, Mbayang Sow, Marème Babou – Nguenar Ndiaye, Aïssatou Fall, Fatoumata Dramé, Ndèye Awa Casset – Mama Diop, Korka Fall.

Possible Kenya line-up

Lilian Awuor – Euphrasier Shilwatso, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Leah Andiema – Mercy Airo, Tereza Engesha, Mwanalima Adam Jereko – Shaylene Opisa, Valerie Nekesa, Fasila Adhiambo.

A pivotal Group A encounter

With both nations still searching for their first points of the tournament, Thursday’s meeting carries significant importance for the remainder of the group stage.

Senegal will be hoping to rediscover the form that helped them reach the quarter-finals in recent editions, while Kenya will be looking to bounce back after a difficult return to continental competition.

The result will leave one side in a stronger position ahead of the final round of Group A matches, making the encounter one of the key fixtures of the second matchday.