Harambee Starlets Trounced by Morocco in WAFCON Opener

Kenya women’s national football team - Harambee Starlets - returned to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations stage to kick off their campaign on a losing note after being thrashed 4-0 by hosts Morocco at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, 26 July.

Starlets, who were making only their second ever appearance at the competition since their debut in 2016, in search of both their first-ever point and maiden victory at the competition, were no match for the dominant Atlas Lionesses, who put their lowly opponents to the sword.

The hosts struck first as Morocco’s Yasmin Mrabet threaded a perfectly timed through ball beyond the Kenyan backline. Then Sakina Ouzraoui Diki latched onto the pass, kept her nerve, and slotted it home with her right foot into the bottom corner, beyond the outstretched goalie Lilian Awuor.

Less than ten minutes later, Maryame Atiq doubled Morocco’s advantage, rising highest inside the penalty area to meet a cross and head the ball into the bottom corner.

In the 32nd minute, Kenya’s backline was once again exposed by the Moroccan attack as Hanane Aït El Haj floated a deep, pinpoint cross into the box, finding Ibtissam Jraidi, who powered home a clinical header to make it 3-0 before the break.

Jraidi was not done yet. Just two minutes into the second half, Sanaa Mssoudy surged down the right flank before delivering a low cross into the area, allowing Jraidi to stretch out a boot and tap home her second goal of the night.