The Kenyan women's national football team, Harambee Starlets, faced a tough start to their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign after a 4-0 loss to Morocco in their Group A opener held in Rabat.

Morocco asserted dominance early in the match. Maryame Atiq broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, followed by Sakina Ouzraoui’s goal nine minutes later. Ibtissam Jraidi sealed the outcome with two strikes, one just before halftime in the 31st minute and another early in the second half at the 47th minute.

Despite the scoreline, the Starlets showed moments of promise. Tereza Engesha nearly scored when her shot hit the crossbar in the fifth minute. Valerie Nekesa also delivered a dangerous cross, but Eglay Mukhwana was unable to convert.

Coach Beldine Odemba made four substitutions after the break, bringing on Mercy Airo, Shirlene Opisa, Euphrasier Shilwatso, and Airin Madalina in hopes of shifting momentum. Although Kenya increased their attacking efforts in the second half, Morocco’s organized defense held firm.

Morocco’s coach Jorge Vilda rotated his squad with five substitutions to maintain control and close out a comfortable victory for the hosts.

This defeat puts pressure on Kenya as they prepare for their next Group A match against Senegal, scheduled for Thursday at 11:00 p.m. EAT at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. The Starlets will finish the group stage facing Algeria on August 3.

Meanwhile, Algeria opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Senegal, with captain Marine Dafeur scoring a first-half penalty and Melissa Bethi adding a late goal. Algeria and Morocco now share the top spot in Group A with three points each.

Match Details

  • Morocco Starting XI: Khadija Er-Rmichi, Zineb Redouani, Nouhaila Benzina, Elodie Nakkach, Ibtissam Jraidi, Maryame Atiq, Hanane Ait El Ham (Captain), Sanaa Mssoudy, Sakina Ouzraoui, Yasmin-Katie Mrabet, Kautar Azraf
  • Kenya Starting XI: Lilian Awuor, Mwanalima Jereko, Vivian Nasaka, Nanjala Leah Andiema, Martha Amunyolete, Tereza Engesha, Elizabeth Ochaka, Valerie Nekesa, Eglay Mukhwana, Ruth Ingosi, Fasila Adhiambo