Morocco’s Dominant Performance
The Harambee Starlets began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a significant 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in their opening Group A match. The encounter took place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Sunday evening. This result leaves Kenya with a challenging path ahead in the tournament, making their return to the continental finals after a decade.
Morocco, known as the Atlas Lionesses, established their dominance early in the match. Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Eight minutes later, Maryame Atiq doubled Morocco’s lead with a header from a corner. Ibtissam Jraïdi then added a third goal, also with a header, before halftime, effectively ending the contest early. Jraïdi secured her second goal of the night just two minutes into the second half, completing Morocco’s 4-0 victory.
The hosts maintained control throughout the match, demonstrating sustained possession, aggressive pressing, and sharp movement. They had 67 percent of possession in the first half, with 13 attempts, eight of which were on target, and a pass accuracy exceeding 86 percent. Kenya, in contrast, registered six shots, with only one on target, and a pass accuracy of nearly 70 percent.
Kenya’s goalkeeper, Lilian Awuor, made several crucial saves, preventing an even larger scoreline. Despite the heavy defeat, Kenya did create some early opportunities. Teresa Engesha came close to scoring in the fifth minute, and Valerie Nekesa had another chance later in the first half but missed the target after rounding the goalkeeper. These missed opportunities proved costly for the Starlets.
Starlets’ Challenges and Future Matches
Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba acknowledged that Kenya struggled to cope with Morocco’s pace, transitions, and set-pieces. She admitted that the team lost concentration after conceding the first goal. However, Odemba remains optimistic about Kenya’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals, emphasizing that they still have two matches remaining to fight for qualification.
Odemba made four substitutions after halftime in an attempt to change the game’s momentum. Mercy Airo, Shalyne Opisa, and Ephrashier Shilwatso were introduced, replacing Martha Amunyolette, Eglay Mukhwana, and Vivian Nasaka, respectively. While these changes brought some fresh energy, particularly from Shilwatso in defense, Kenya continued to struggle against Morocco’s relentless pressure and high press.
The defeat places Kenya at the bottom of Group A. Morocco’s victory moved them to the top of the group with three points, ahead of Algeria on goal difference. Algeria had earlier defeated Senegal 2-0 in the other Group A match at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Kenya must now regroup quickly for their upcoming crucial matches. Their next fixture is against Senegal on Thursday, followed by their final group match against Algeria on August 3. Coach Odemba stated that her technical bench will analyze Senegal and prepare well, noting that Kenya has never played Senegal in a competitive international match before.
Coaches’ Perspectives and Tournament Context
Morocco’s coach, Jorge Vilda, who previously guided Spain to the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup title, praised the improved performance of the Kenyan side compared to their friendly match last year, which Morocco won 5-0. Vilda highlighted Kenya’s goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, striker Teresa Engesha, midfielder Fasila Adhiambo, and captain Mwanahalima Jereko as standout performers, noting their quality.
The expanded 16-team WAFCON tournament also serves as a qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will qualify directly, while two quarter-finalists will proceed to the inter-confederation play-offs. Only two teams from each group will qualify for the knock-out stage.
Morocco will next face Algeria in a match that is anticipated to be decisive for the group’s early leaders. Kenya’s immediate focus is on their must-win clash against Senegal on Thursday to keep their hopes of reaching the knock-out stage alive.
The Harambee Starlets will conclude their group stage campaign against Algeria on August 3.
Source: nation.africa
