Kenya’s Harambee Starlets will be looking to bounce back quickly after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to tournament hosts Morocco in their opening Group A match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat.
The Atlas Lionesses took control of the contest in the first half, with Maryame Atiq breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute before Sakina Ouzraoui extended Morocco’s advantage nine minutes later. Ibtissam Jraidi then added a brace, scoring in the 31st and 47th minutes, to seal an emphatic victory for the hosts.
Despite the final scoreline, Kenya showed attacking intent in the opening stages of the match. Tereza “Terry” Engesha came close to giving the Starlets an early lead when her effort struck the crossbar in the fifth minute, moments after Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina had missed a chance at the opposite end.
The visitors also threatened later in the first half through Valerie Nekesa, whose well-delivered cross found Eglay Mukhwana, but the forward failed to convert the opportunity.
Seeking to turn the game around, head coach Beldine Odemba made four changes after halftime, introducing Mercy Airo, Shirlene Opisa, Euphrasier Shilwatso and Airin Madalina in place of Martha Amunyolete, Eglay Mukhwana, Vivian Nasaka and Valerie Nekesa.
Although the Starlets displayed greater urgency in the second half, they were unable to find a breakthrough against Morocco’s organised defence.
Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda also rotated his squad midway through the second half, making five substitutions as his side comfortably protected its lead until the final whistle.
The result leaves Kenya seeking its first points of the tournament when the Starlets face Senegal in their second Group A match on Thursday at 11:00 p.m. (EAT) at the Olympic Stadium. They will wrap up their group-stage campaign against Algeria on August 3.
