Kenya’s Harambee Starlets have their work cut out to qualify from group A of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after they were thrashed 4-0 in their opening clash by Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses in a clash that took place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday.
Returning to Africa’s premier women’s tournament after a ten-year hiatus, Beldine Odemba’s side endured a baptism of fire against the host nation.
Despite showing early promise, defensive errors and relentless pressure from the home side condemned the Starlets to a heavy defeat on matchday one.
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Early Promise Thwarted by Host Surge
Kenya almost produced a dream start inside three minutes when Terry Engesha unleashed a powerful strike that rattled the crossbar, signaling a bright opening for the Starlets.
However, Morocco quickly woke up and asserted their authority on the contest. Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor was forced into high gear early, making a brilliant triple save to temporarily keep the hosts at bay.
The pressure eventually broke Kenya’s resistance in the 19th minute. Sakina Ouzraoui latched onto a precise through ball to slot past Awuor for the opening goal.
Nine minutes later, Maryame Atiq Ez-Zity rose highest to double the advantage, powering home a firm header from a well-delivered corner.
Defensive Collapse Before Half-Time
The Atlas Lionesses continued to exploit gaps in Kenya’s defensive shape. In the 32nd minute, a dangerous cross whipped into the box found Ibtissam Jraidi, who headed home comfortably to make it 3-0.
Any hopes of a second-half Kenyan comeback were immediately extinguished right after the restart. Just seconds into the second half (46′), Sanaa Mssoudy capitalized on static defending to head home Morocco’s fourth goal of the evening.
Kenya attempted to muster a response midway through the second half, with substitute Shaylene Opisa forcing a save from the Moroccan keeper in the 72nd minute, but the hosts comfortably managed the remainder of the contest to seal all three points.
What Next for the Starlets?
The defeat leaves Kenya at the bottom of Group A with a challenging goal difference (-4). With Algeria having beaten Senegal 2-0 in the earlier kickoff at the Olympic Stadium, Beldine Odemba’s side faces a must-win scenario in their next fixture.
The Harambee Starlets will look to reignite their qualification hopes when they face Senegal on Thursday, July 30 (20:00 EAT) at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
