The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) commenced on a challenging note for the Harambee Starlets, as they suffered a decisive 4-0 defeat against Morocco in their opening match held at the Moulay Al Hassan Stadium in Rabat on July 26, 2026. Coach Beldine Odemba expressed her disappointment over the team's performance, acknowledging that they struggled to match Morocco’s pace and tactical transitions throughout the match. Despite the setback, Odemba maintains a hopeful outlook, asserting that Kenya still has a chance to progress to the quarter-finals, contingent on their upcoming performances against Senegal and Algeria.
In a post-match analysis, Coach Odemba reflected on the early stages of the game, where she felt the Starlets initially contained the Moroccan side effectively. However, the momentum shifted after Kenya conceded an early goal, leading to a loss of concentration that ultimately impacted their performance. “We didn’t expect this result. In the first 15 minutes, we held our ground, but after the first goal, we lost focus,” she stated. The coach emphasized the need for her players to capitalize on scoring opportunities in their remaining fixtures, especially against Senegal, whom they have never faced in a competitive match before.
The Starlets must regroup quickly, as they prepare for a crucial encounter against Senegal on Thursday. Odemba is confident that the team can learn from their mistakes and adapt their strategy accordingly. “The approach will be different because Senegal do not play like Morocco. We believe we have a chance,” she asserted, encouraging her players to focus on improvement and resilience in the face of adversity.
Morocco’s coach, Jorge Vilda, who previously guided Spain to victory in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, praised the Kenyan team for their improvements since their last encounter. He highlighted standout performances from players like goalkeeper Lilian Awuor and forward Teresa Engesha, indicating that Kenya possesses the talent to become more competitive on the continental stage.
Throughout the match, Morocco dominated possession and utilized their home advantage effectively, showcasing quick passing and aggressive wing play. The Kenyan defense, comprised of Vivian Nasaka, Leah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, and Ruth Ingosi, struggled to contain the relentless Moroccan attacks. Despite a few promising chances for Kenya, including a near miss by Engesha, the team failed to convert their opportunities, ultimately allowing Morocco to extend their lead with well-executed goals.
As the tournament progresses, the pressure mounts for the Harambee Starlets to secure a victory against Senegal to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. With only two teams qualifying for the knockout stage, the upcoming matches will be critical for Kenya. The Starlets are determined to correct their mistakes and return to the pitch with renewed focus and determination.
As reported by nation.africa.
