Harambee Starlets suffer 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in WAFCON opener

Harambee Starlets endured a difficult return to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a 4-0 defeat to tournament hosts Morocco in their opening Group A match at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat on Sunday.

Kenya, making their first appearance at the continental showpiece in a decade, began with confidence and looked capable of springing an early surprise against the two-time runners-up. Tereza Engesha came within inches of giving the Starlets the perfect start when her powerful effort rattled the crossbar inside the opening 10 minutes.

That proved to be Kenya's brightest moment as Morocco gradually asserted their dominance and punished defensive lapses with ruthless efficiency.

The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when Yasmin Mrabet split the Kenyan defence with a precise pass for Sakina Ouzraoui, who calmly slotted beyond goalkeeper Lilian Awuor to hand the hosts the lead.

The Atlas Lionesses continued to pile on the pressure and doubled their advantage nine minutes later. Defender Maryame Atiq rose highest to meet a corner with a powerful header that beat Awuor after Kenya failed to clear their lines.

Morocco effectively settled the contest before halftime when Hanane Ait El Haj delivered a pinpoint cross that found the unmarked Ibtissam Jraidi, who headed home to make it 3-0 in the 32nd minute.

Any hopes of a Kenyan response disappeared moments after the restart. Ait El Haj again turned provider, sending a dangerous low cross into the six-yard box where Jraidi arrived to score her second goal of the night and Morocco's fourth in the 47th minute.

Coach Beldine Odemba introduced several changes in a bid to restore balance, and the Starlets responded with a more disciplined defensive display in the closing stages, preventing the hosts from extending the scoreline further despite sustained Moroccan pressure.

The result leaves Kenya with a mountain to climb in Group A after Algeria defeated Senegal 2-0 in the earlier match. The Starlets now sit bottom of the group and will need a positive result against Senegal in their second fixture to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive.

Despite the heavy defeat, there were lessons for the East Africans, who showed flashes of attacking promise early on but were ultimately punished by a clinical Moroccan side backed by home support and carrying the experience of reaching the last two WAFCON finals.

Kenya will now shift focus to Thursday's meeting with Senegal before wrapping up their group campaign against Algeria, knowing their continental ambitions depend on a swift response after a disappointing opening night in Rabat.