Hosts Morocco began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in dominant fashion, easing to a 4-0 victory over Kenya at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan on Sunday.
A brace from striker Ibtissam Jraïdi, alongside first-half goals from Sakina Ouzraoui Diki and Maryame Atiq, sealed an impressive win for the Atlas Lionesses, who moved to the top of Group A on goal difference.
The victory also saw Morocco extend the impressive record of WAFCON hosts in tournament opening matches. Hosts have now gone unbeaten in their opening fixtures across the last 10 editions, recording nine wins and one draw.
Backed by a lively home crowd, Morocco made a bright start and took the lead in the 19th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki opened the scoring with a composed finish.
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The hosts doubled their advantage nine minutes later as Maryame Atiq rose highest to power home a header from a well-delivered corner.
Morocco continued to dominate and added a third in the 32nd minute through Jraïdi, who capitalised on poor marking inside the penalty area to head beyond the Kenyan goalkeeper.
Kenya responded by making three changes at the break in a bid to halt Morocco’s momentum, but the move had little effect.
Just two minutes into the second half, Jraïdi grabbed her second goal of the night, reacting quickest inside the six-yard box to poke home and make it 4-0.
The Atlas Lionesses continued to create chances for the remainder of the contest but were unable to add to their tally, settling for a commanding four-goal victory.
The result leaves Morocco level on three points with Algeria, who defeated Senegal 2-0 earlier on Sunday, but ahead on goal difference at the top of Group A.
Morocco will face Algeria in a potentially decisive group clash on Thursday, July 30, while Kenya and Senegal will both be aiming to register their first points of the tournament when they meet on the same day.
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