Kenya’s Harambee Starlets suffered a major blow in their quest for 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualification following a 4-0 humiliation against tournament favorites and hosts Morocco at the Prince Hassan Moulay Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.
A sizzling Ibtissam Jraidi scored twice in the 31st and 47th minute, while Sakina Ouzraoui and Maryame Atiq found the back of the net in the 19th and 28th minutes respectively, as the Atlas Lionesses claimed all three points.
Despite the heavy defeat, Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba remained optimistic, saying the team would regroup and shift focus to their matchday two Group A fixture against Senegal.
“We have never played against Senegal. They are a different team, so it will require a different approach. We still stand a chance,” Odemba told reporters after the game. We have played against Senegal before. We lost the first match and drew the second match so that’s a team we understand. We are taking one match at a time.”
Kenya youngster Valerie Nasaka expressed confidence ahead of the Senegal clash, admitting the team must learn from their mistakes. “In the first half, we wanted to score and we had our chances. We need to rectify the mistakes we made against Morocco,” offered Nasaka.
“Being handed my first start was a great opportunity, and I believe I made the most of it.”
Starlets captain Mwanalima Adam echoed the need for improvement, particularly in converting chances. “The Morocco match is behind us and we have learnt from it. We will correct the mistakes before facing Senegal,” said Adam.
“Morocco created their chances and took them well. Our focus is now on the next game, and I hope we get a positive result.
“As players, we will give our best. Morocco is a good side and they capitalised on our mistakes.”
Morocco started brightly and almost opened the scoring in the fourth minute, but Nouhaila Benzina’s effort was comfortably gathered by Kenya goalkeeper Lilian Awour.
At the start of the second half, Odemba made three substitutions, introducing Mercy Airo for Martha Amunyolete, Euphrasia Shilwatso for Vivian Nasaka, and Shalyne Opisa in place of Eglay Mukhwana.
However, Morocco extended their lead just two minutes after the restart when Jraidi grabbed her second goal of the match to make it 4-0.
