Reality check in Rabat as Harambee Starlets crumble – The Standard Sports
Reality check in Rabat as Harambee Starlets crumble
Football
By
Elizabeth Mburugu
| Jul 27, 2026
Harambee Starlets endured a sobering return to the continental stage as they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to their hosts Morocco in their opening Group A match of the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday night.
Having been in the cold for a decade, this was not the return that head coach Beldine Odemba and her charges were hoping for as they learned firsthand the unforgiving gulf in quality and structural readiness.
Arriving in Rabat plagued by administrative issues that led to protests over unpaid allowances and limited high-level build-up matches, beating the Atlas Lionesses was no tall order.
Morocco, on the other hand, went into the clash not only buoyed by home advantage but also boasting of a professional setup heavily backed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. In addition to uninterrupted high-level preparations, the star-studded side featured players seasoned in top European leagues.
The Kenyans were hoping to punch above their weight, and for a moment, hope flickered when Kenya Police Bullets FC star Terry Engesha rattled the crossbar inside the early minutes of the game. However, that hope vanished swiftly as the Atlas Lionesses under the tutelage of former Spain’s Women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda flexed their formidable muscle.
Marshalled by the high-profile Vilda, who led Spain to the 2023 Women’s World Cup title, Morocco showed class, totally outplaying the Kenyans. The Lionesses were home and dry by the 47th minute thanks to goals from Ibtissam Jraidi, who bagged a brace, Sakina Ouzraoui, and Maryame Atiq.
Odemba said that his charges were not at their best in the encounter but had two games at hand to make amends. “We didn’t have the desired control in the transition phases. We have two matches left against Senegal and Algeria; it’s up to us to correct our mistakes.”
In another Group A tie, Algeria began their campaign with a 2-0 win against Senegal. Harambee Starlets will take on Senegal on Thursday in a high-stakes duel where both sides will be chasing a win.
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.
From NFL history to exile: The fall and deportation of Daniel Adongo
Over the years, Daniel Adongo was arrested several times in Indiana on allegations ranging from felony intimidation and battery to disorderly conduct.
Infantino slams World Cup critics for ‘spreading hate’
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit back at World Cup critics, claiming they were “spreading hate and false rumours” and arguing the tournament delivered “only joy and happiness”.
Kenya shines at Zone Individual Chess Championship in Ethiopia
Kenya enjoyed an impressive outing at the 2026 Zone 4.4 Individual Chess Championship after its three-player team returned home with outstanding results
Pirlo bitter over debate that cost him Italy coaching job
Former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who was favoured for the national coaching post, expressed his bitterness over the debate which has led to him no longer being a candidate.
MOST READ
Reality check in Rabat as Harambee Starlets crumble
- From NFL history to exile: The fall and deportation of Daniel Adongo
- Infantino slams World Cup critics for ‘spreading hate’
- Kenya shines at Zone Individual Chess Championship in Ethiopia
RECOMMENDED NEWS
From NFL history to exile: The fall and deportation of Daniel Adongo
Infantino slams World Cup critics for ‘spreading hate’
Kenya shines at Zone Individual Chess Championship in Ethiopia
