Reality check in Rabat as Harambee Starlets crumble
Harambee Starlets' return to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations ended in a heavy 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco, exposing the gap in preparation and quality...
✨ Key Highlights
Harambee Starlets suffered a significant defeat in their return to the continental stage, losing 4-0 to hosts Morocco in their opening 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifier.
- The Kenyan team was outclassed by the Atlas Lionesses, with goals from Ibtissam Jraidi (brace), Sakina Ouzraoui, and Maryame Atiq sealing the victory.
- Harambee Starlets' head coach, Beldine Odemba, acknowledged the team was not at its best and looks to upcoming matches against Senegal and Algeria to improve.
- The match highlighted a stark contrast in preparation and resources, with Morocco boasting a professional setup and players from top European leagues, while Starlets faced administrative issues and limited build-up games.
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Harambee Starlets suffer 4-0 defeat to Morocco in WAFCON opener - July 2026
Kenya's Harambee Starlets suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in their opening match of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Sunday. The loss marked the Starlets' return to the continental finals after a decade-long absence from the competition. The match took place in Rabat, where the home team dominated the encounter. Head coach Beldine Odemba had expressed confidence in her team's readiness to compete against one of Africa's top women's football nations prior to the match. The defeat represents a significant setback for Kenya's women's football program following their return to the continental stage.
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