Morocco crush Kenya to launch WAFCON campaign in style

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Hosts Morocco launched their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to a commanding 4-0 victory over Kenya in their Group A opener at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat on Sunday.

Morocco dominated proceedings from the outset and took the lead in the 19th minute when S. Ouzraoui finished from Y. K. Mrabet’s assist to ignite celebrations among the home fans.

The Atlas Lionesses doubled their advantage nine minutes later through M. Atiq, before I. Jraidi made it 3-0 in the 32nd minute after being set up by H. Ait El Haj, giving the hosts complete control before the break.

Morocco wasted little time extending their advantage after the restart, with Jraidi grabbing her second goal of the night just two minutes into the second half, again finishing off an assist from Ait El Haj to complete the rout.

Kenya made three substitutions at the start of the second half in an attempt to stem the tide, but the changes failed to halt Morocco’s attacking momentum as the hosts comfortably saw out the contest.

The statistics reflected Morocco’s superiority, with the hosts enjoying 65 per cent possession, registering 19 shots to Kenya’s eight and creating four big chances compared to the visitors’ one.

Morocco also recorded 30 touches inside Kenya’s penalty area, while Kenya managed just five, underlining the gulf in attacking threat between the two sides.

The convincing victory gives Morocco an ideal start to their quest for continental glory and provides an early boost in Group A, while Kenya will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.