Harambee Starlets Handed WAFCON 2026 Reality Check After Loss to Benin in Friendly Match

Harambee Starlets’ build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations suffered a setback after a defeat to Benin highlighted areas that require urgent improvement ahead of the continental showpiece.

The Kenyan side endured a sobering evening on Monday, falling 2-0 to Benin in an international friendly arranged as part of their preparations for WAFCON 2026. The tournament is scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3 in Morocco, and the match offered an important gauge of the team’s readiness.

Played at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, the contest exposed tactical and defensive gaps that head coach Beldine Odemba will be keen to address before the team heads to Morocco.

Strong Kenyan Lineup But Benin Win

Odemba selected an experienced squad featuring goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, defenders Enez Mango and Ruth Ingosi, alongside key players such as Mwanalima Adam, Elizabeth Wambui, Martha Amunyolet, Jentrix Shikangwa and Fasila Adhiambo — many of whom played a crucial role during the qualification campaign.

Despite the strong lineup, Benin made an early statement. Just 10 minutes into the match, German-based forward Nailatou Sadikou broke through Kenya’s defence to hand the West Africans the lead. The early strike unsettled the Starlets, who struggled to regain control for the remainder of the first half as Benin carried a 1-0 advantage into the break.

Kenya attempted to respond after halftime, pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but their efforts lacked the cutting edge required in the final third. Instead, it was Benin who struck again in the 64th minute when FAR Rabat attacker Yolande Gnammi found the back of the net to double her team’s lead and effectively seal the result.

What Next for Harambee Starlets?

The defeat serves as a timely lesson for the Starlets, who will now shift focus to their next friendly against host nation Ivory Coast on Wednesday at the same venue, with kickoff set for 10pm East African time.

After completing their West Africa assignments, the team will proceed to Miramas, France, for a residential training camp lasting until March 15. The camp will emphasize tactical adjustments, physical recovery and team chemistry before they depart for Morocco.

At WAFCON 2026, Kenya face a stern Group A challenge, opening their campaign against hosts Morocco on March 17, followed by Senegal on March 20 and Algeria on March 23.