The result allowed Senegal to bounce back from their opening 2-0 defeat to Algeria and move on to three points, level with Algeria and still firmly in contention for a quarter-final place. Kenya suffered a second consecutive loss after their 4-0 thrashing by hosts Morocco and remain bottom of the group with zero points.
Early Breakthrough Settles the Contest
Senegal made a bright start and were rewarded in the 35th minute. Bineta Seck picked out Mbengue in space, and the FC Metz striker unleashed a fierce finish that left Kenya goalkeeper Lilian Awuor with no chance.
Kenya responded positively before the interval. Captain Mwanalima Jereko tried her luck from distance in the 41st minute, but her effort drifted narrowly over the crossbar. Senegal nearly doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Ndeye Awa Casset found space inside the area, only for Awuor to produce an excellent save that diverted the ball onto the crossbar.
Kenya Push Hard but Lack Cutting Edge
The East Africans continued to search for an equaliser after the restart. Fasila Omondi tested Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye early in the second half, but the effort was comfortably gathered.
Kenya’s best chance arrived in the 62nd minute when substitute Marion Serenge found herself with the goal at her mercy, only to fire wide. The pressure intensified in the closing stages. Tereza Obunyu cut inside her marker and sent a low strike against the woodwork. The rebound fell kindly for Jereko, whose follow-up effort was brilliantly denied by Ndiaye.
Despite sustained Kenyan pressure in the final minutes, Senegal stood firm to secure three valuable points.
Group A Picture After Matchday 2
The victory keeps Senegal’s knockout hopes firmly in their own hands after a disciplined and determined display.