Harambee Starlets had their second straight loss at the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, with their defeat coming against Senegal on Thursday at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Kenya were left with a tough road ahead after dropping their first Group A game to African hosts Morocco 4-0.
The Lionesses of Teranga got their first win of the tournament in the 34th minute with a shot from Ndeye Awa's cross barbed by Seynabou Mbengue.
Senegal were looking for a reply as they were defeated 2-0 by Algeria in their first match.
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba made four changes to the team that started against Morocco.
Euphrasier Shilwatso replaced Vivian Nasaka Makhoha in defence, while Lorna Nyabuto was preferred to Martha Amunyolete in midfield.
Mercy Airo, replacing Eglay Mukhwana, played on the right wing, while forward Violet Nanjala, who was experienced, was given the chance to replace Valerie Nekesa.
It started well for Kenya as they made their opening attempt into the Senegal goal in the fourth minute when Nyabuto headed into the Senegal goalkeeper.
The next 3 minutes saw Terry Engesha given a golden opportunity from Fasila Adhiambo's delivery, but shot it wide.
The game went dead after nine minutes, before Senegal found a way to break the deadlock when Mbengue beat Awa on the ball, and placed the ball safely past Lilian Awuor.
The Kenyan side looked to an equaliser before half-time and Odemba responded by introducing Nekesa for Nanjala in the 39th minute.
Airo was later replaced by Marion Serenge in the 61st minute and Nyabuto was replaced by Irine Madalina in the 86th minute.
Kenya had good moments in the second half but could not capitalise on the chances they got.
Engesha found herself through on in the 72nd and 76th minutes but failed to beat Ndiaye on both attempts.
In the 80th minute, Senegal threatened to take the lead again but Awuor did a great job to deny them.
Senegal coach Mousse Niang Amar also made half-time changes with Anta Dembele and Ndeye Diakhate replacing Adama Sane and Bineta.
Harambee Starlets will now have to secure a win against Algeria in their final Group A match on August 3 to keep them in the game.
Kenya will also need good luck in other groups as they hope to advance in their second group stage performance at the continental championship.
