Harambee Starlets crushed by Morocco in WAFCON 2026 opener in Rabat

The Kenya women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, began their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign on a disappointing note after suffering a 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in their Group ‘A’ opener in Rabat.

Morocco made a flying start, with Maryame Atiq opening the scoring in the 19th minute before Sakina Ouzraoui doubled the lead nine minutes later. Ibtissam Jraidi then struck twice, in the 31st and 47th minutes, to complete a dominant victory for the hosts.

Despite the heavy defeat, Kenya created early chances. Tereza "Terry" Engesha rattled the crossbar in the fifth minute after Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina had missed an opportunity at the other end.

Later in the first half, Valerie Nekesa delivered an inviting cross, but Eglay Mukhwana failed to hit the target.

Head coach Beldine Odemba made four substitutions after the break, introducing Mercy Airo, Shirlene Opisa, Euphrasier Shilwatso and Airin Madalina, to replace Martha Amunyolete, Eglay Mukhwana and Vivian Nasaka and Valerie Nekesa respectively, in a bid to change the game.

Kenya showed improved urgency in the second half but struggled to break down Morocco's disciplined defence.

Morocco coach Jorge Vilda also refreshed his side midway through the second half with five substitutions as the Atlas Lionesses comfortably saw out the victory.

The defeat leaves Kenya with work to do ahead of their second Group ‘A’ fixture against Senegal on Thursday at 11:00 p.m. (EAT) at the Olympic Stadium. The Starlets will conclude their group-stage campaign against Algeria on August 3.

Earlier, Algeria made a winning start to their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Senegal.

Captain Marine Dafeur converted a first-half penalty before Melissa Bethi sealed the win late on, leaving Algeria level on three points with Morocco at the top of Group ‘A’.

Morocco Start List

Khadija Er - Rmichi

Zineb Redouani

Nouhaila Benzina

Elodie Nakkach

Ibtissam Jraidi

Maryame Atiq

Hanane Ait El Ham (C)

Sanaa Mssoudy

Sakina Ouzraoui

Yasmin - Katie Mrabet

Kautar Azraf

Kenya Start List

Lilian Awuor

Mwanalima Jereko

Vivian Nasaka Nanjala

Leah Andiema

Martha Amunyolete

Tereza Engesha

Elizabeth Ochaka

Valerie Nekesa

Eglay Mukhwana

Ruth Ingosi

Fasila Adhiambo