Harambee Starlets Face Must-Win Senegal Clash After Morocco Defeat at WAFCON 2026
RABAT, Morocco – Harambee Starlets will look to bounce back from a disappointing start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign when they take on Senegal on Thursday following a 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco.
Kenya opened their Group A campaign with a heavy loss at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday night, leaving Coach Beldine Odemba’s side with little room for error in their remaining group matches.
The Starlets must now beat Senegal to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive before facing Algeria in their final group fixture on August 3.
Bright Start Ends in Disappointment
Despite the final scoreline, Kenya began the match on the front foot and created several early chances.
Forward Tereza “Terry” Engesha nearly handed the Starlets the lead in the fifth minute when her powerful effort crashed against the crossbar.
Shortly afterwards, Valerie Nekesa created another promising opportunity, but Eglay Mukhwana failed to convert as Morocco survived Kenya’s early pressure.
The hosts soon took control of the contest and punished the missed chances.
Morocco Punish Missed Chances
Morocco opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Meriem Atiq before Sakina Ouzraoui doubled the advantage nine minutes later.
Ibtissam Jraidi added the third goal before halftime and completed her brace just two minutes into the second half to seal a comfortable 4-0 victory for the tournament hosts.
The win moved Morocco to the top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Algeria, who defeated Senegal 2-0 in the other group match.
Odemba Rings the Changes
Coach Beldine Odemba responded by making several substitutions after the break.
She introduced Mercy Airo, Shirlene Opisa, Euphrasier Shilwatso, and Airin Madalina in a bid to inject fresh energy into the team.
The changes helped Kenya improve their attacking intensity. However, Morocco’s disciplined defence denied the Starlets any chance of finding a breakthrough.
The North Africans, coached by 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda, comfortably controlled the match to secure all three points.
Senegal Match Now Crucial
The defeat means Kenya must beat Senegal to stay in contention for a place in the knockout stage.
Another loss would leave the Starlets relying on other results before their final Group A match against Algeria.
Despite the setback, Kenya can take positives from their energetic opening spell and improved second-half display.
Odemba assembled a squad that blends experienced players with exciting young talent, including several members of the team that featured at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Starlets will now hope to turn those encouraging moments into points when they face Senegal in a must-win encounter on Thursday.
