East Africa’s representative at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Kenya’s Harambee Starlets, suffered a baptism of fire in their Group A opener, crashing to a heavy 4–0 defeat against host nation Morocco at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat.
The result leaves Beldine Odemba’s side bottom of Group A after the opening round of matches, while Algeria launched their campaign with a solid 2–0 victory over Senegal earlier in the day.
Making their long-awaited return to Africa’s flagship women’s tournament after a decade away, Kenya started with intent and nearly shocked the home crowd inside five minutes when striker Tereza Engesha’s curling effort rattled the crossbar.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically once the hosts settled.
Morocco broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui latched onto a defense-splitting pass to slot past Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor. Nine minutes later, defender Maryame Atiq doubled the advantage, rising highest to head home from a corner kick.
Before the Starlets could regroup, Morocco’s clinical forward Ibtissam Jraidi made it 3–0 before halftime with a looped header. Jraidi completed her brace just two minutes into the second period, ruthlessly punishing another defensive lapse to seal an emphatic 4–0 victory for the two-time runners-up.
In the day’s early kickoff, Algeria delivered a disciplined performance to claim all three points with a 2–0 win over Senegal.
The North Africans controlled the tempo throughout, capitalizing on their chances to register a clean sheet and move into second place in Group A behind leaders Morocco on goal difference.
Kenya now face a massive test of character on Thursday night when they take on Senegal at the Olympic Stadium. Both sides will be desperate for a victory to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. Later that evening, hosts Morocco clash with Algeria in a high-stakes North African derby to decide control of Group A.
Group A Standings (After Matchday 1)
Kenya 0 points
The tournament continues tonight with Group B games taking shape.
Morocco 3 points
Algeria 3 points
Senegal 0 points
