Dogo draws lessons from Harambee Stars loss to Benin ahead of WAFCON return
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 04.03.26. | 12:38
Despite fielding a strong lineup that included goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, Enez Mango, Ruth Ingosi, Elizabeth Wambui, Martha Amunyolet, Jentrix Shikangwa, and Fasila Adhiambo, the Starlets were carved open early
Harambee Starlets attacker Mwanalima 'Dogo' Adam has called for sharp focus and rectification following Kenya’s 2-0 defeat to Benin in their first international friendly on Monday, 2 March.
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The match, played at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, served as a reality check for Beldine Odemba’s side as they continue to fine-tune preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 17 March in Morocco.
Despite fielding a strong lineup that included goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, Enez Mango, Ruth Ingosi, Elizabeth Wambui, Martha Amunyolet, Jentrix Shikangwa, and Fasila Adhiambo, the Starlets were carved open early.
German-based Nailatou Sadikou gave Benin the lead in the 10th minute after a terrible goalkeeping error from Awuor, before Yolande Gnammi of FAR Rabat doubled the advantage in the 64th minute with a wonder strike that hit the roof of the net.
For Dogo, the loss is a diagnostic tool rather than a setback. “It’s our first build-up match as we prepare for WAFCON. We have seen our mistakes, and in the next game against Ivory Coast, we will rectify them and aim for better results,” she said.
“These friendlies expose where we go wrong so we can correct them in training before the tournament.”
The Starlets are currently blending experienced veterans with rising graduates from the junior sides. While the defeat highlighted work still needed in defensive organisation and finishing, Dogo remains optimistic.
“The benefits of these friendlies are to be prepared and be ready. Benin was not an easy team, but we shift focus to the next game, and after that, we will be able to gauge ourselves,” she added.
Kenya will face the Ivory Coast in their second friendly on Wednesday, 4 March, at the same stadium in Ebimpé. Following their West African tour, the squad will travel to Miramas, France, for a 10-day residential training camp, concentrating on tactical refinement, recovery, and team cohesion ahead of their WAFCON opener against hosts Morocco.
At WAFCON 2026, Kenya are drawn in Group A, beginning with a clash against hosts Morocco on Tuesday, 17 March, before facing Senegal on Friday, 20 March, and Algeria on Monday, 23 March.
These preparatory matches and the intensive European camp will give Dogo and her teammates the sharpness needed to compete at the highest level.
Harambee Starlets WAFCON squad
Goalkeepers: Lilian Awuor, Annedy Kundu, Juliet Adhiambo
Defenders: Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Vivian Nasaka, Elizabeth Ochaka, Diana Ochol, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Muteshi
Midfielders: Lydia Akoth, Vidah Akeyo, Lorna Nyarinda, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, Mwanalima Adam, Shaline Nambengele
Forwards: Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Jentrix Shikangwa, Shalyne Opisa, Airin Madalina, Valerie Nekesa, Eglay Mukhwana
