Harambee Starlets opened their 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat on Sunday night.
Morocco took control of the Group A encounter early and opened the scoring through Sakina Ouzraoui Diki in the 19th minute. The forward found space inside the Kenyan penalty area before producing a clinical finish to put the hosts ahead.
Kenya attempted to settle into the contest, but Morocco continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage nine minutes later.
Maryame Atiq converted from a corner in the 28th minute as the Harambee Starlets struggled to deal with the hosts’ threat from set pieces.
Ibtissam Jraidi added Morocco’s third goal in the 32nd minute, leaving Kenya with a difficult task before the half-time break.
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba responded by introducing Euphrasier Shilwatso, Shirleen Opisa and Mercy Airo at the beginning of the second half as Kenya looked to regain control.
However, Morocco struck again two minutes after the restart. Jraidi scored her second goal of the match in the 47th minute to complete the scoring and put the result beyond Kenya.
The Starlets continued fighting and attempted to limit further damage as Morocco controlled possession and managed their commanding advantage.
Odemba later introduced Airin Madalina as Kenya searched for greater energy, but the Moroccan defence remained organised and denied the visitors a consolation goal.
The result leaves Kenya needing a strong response in their second Group A match against Senegal. The Starlets will have to improve defensively while showing greater composure in possession as they continue their campaign.
Morocco, meanwhile, collected all three points after an impressive attacking display in front of their home supporters.
