Harambee Starlets crushed by Morocco in WAFCON 2026 opener in Rabat
The Kenya women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, lost 4-0 to Morocco in their opening match of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco dominated the game with goals from Maryame Atiq, Sakina Ouzraoui, and Ibtissam Jraidi.
Why it matters
The result sets the tone for Group A in the WAFCON tournament, highlighting Morocco's strength as tournament hosts.
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.
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