On July 26, 2026, the Moroccan women's national football team delivered a stunning performance, defeating their Kenyan counterparts with a score of 4-0 during their opening match in Group A of the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) held at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. This emphatic victory sets a positive tone for the tournament as Morocco aims to make a significant impact on home soil.
The match saw contributions from several key players, with goals scored by Sakina Ouzraoui in the 19th minute, Mariam Atik in the 29th minute, and Ibtissam Jraidi, who netted two goals in the 32nd and 47th minutes. From the outset, the Atlas Lionesses exhibited a clear offensive strategy, asserting dominance and controlling the flow of the game. Their ability to maintain ball possession and apply pressure in the Kenyan half was evident as they sought to build attacks both through the wings and centrally.
Morocco's offensive efforts were bolstered by the agile movements of players like Sanae Masoudi and Ibtissam Jraidi. Ouzraoui broke the deadlock with a well-placed low shot that left Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Onyango with little chance to respond. Following this opening goal, the Moroccan side continued to dictate the pace of the match, ensuring their defensive stability and limiting Kenya's opportunities to counter-attack, particularly when Valery Nkesa nearly equalized in the 23rd minute.
Atik doubled the lead with a header from a corner taken by Kawther Azraf in the 29th minute, and shortly after, Jraidi scored her first goal of the match with a precise assist from Hanan Ait Haj. The first half concluded with Morocco firmly in control, both in terms of performance and scoreline. In the second half, the Moroccan team maintained their advantage, with Jraidi adding her second goal just two minutes into the half.
National coach Jorge Vilda made several substitutions throughout the match to rotate his squad and rest key players, introducing Soumia El Hadi for Jraidi in the 63rd minute, Jad Nassi for Masoudi, and later, Shaima Martaji for Ouzraoui, among others. Conversely, Kenyan coach Bildin Lilian made her first substitution in an attempt to turn the tide by bringing in Erin Madalina for Nkesa. However, the overwhelming support from Moroccan fans, who filled the stands of Moulay Hassan Stadium, only fueled the Atlas Lionesses' determination to maintain their rhythm and secure the victory.
With this win, the Moroccan women's team leads their group and is set to face Algeria in their next match on Thursday, July 30, at the same venue, as they continue their quest for glory in the tournament.
As reported by maroc.ma.
