Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has called for composure and immediate focus ahead of Kenya’s remaining Group A fixtures following a tough 4-0 opening-day loss to tournament hosts Morocco at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan on Sunday night.
The Starlets, making their second-ever appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and their first in a decade, were punished by a ruthless Atlas Lionesses side that capitalized on defensive lapses in the first half.
Despite Kenya starting on the front foot—highlighted by Terry Engesha hitting the crossbar inside the opening ten minutes—Morocco took control through Sakina Ouzraoui before a low header from Maryame Atiq and a double from Ibtissam Jraidi sealed the outcome for the hosts.
Addressing the media in her post-match conference, Odemba acknowledged the cost of defensive errors at the highest level of continental football, but remained adamant that the team’s tournament ambitions are far from over. “In the first half, we wanted to score and we had our chances, but at this level, if you don’t take your chances, you get punished,” Odemba reflected. “We need to rectify the defensive mistakes we made against Morocco immediately. They are a quality side and they capitalised on our errors.”
With Algeria having secured a 2-0 victory over Senegal in the other Group A fixture, Kenya sits at the bottom of the log heading into Matchday 2. However, Odemba emphasized that the technical bench is already recalibrating their strategy for Thursday’s crucial encounter against Senegal. “We have never played against Senegal—they are a different team, so it will require a completely different tactical approach,” Odemba stated. “We still stand a chance. We take it one match at a time. The focus now is entirely on correcting our structure and preparing for Thursday.”
Starlets skipper Mwanalima “Jereko” Adam mirrored her coach’s sentiments, urging her teammates to leave the opening-day setback behind and focus on the task ahead.
“The Morocco match is behind us now, and we have learned from it,” Adam noted. “Morocco created their chances and converted them. As players, our focus turns to Senegal. We know what is at stake and we will give everything to get a positive result.”
Kenya will face Senegal on Thursday, July 30, at the Olympic Stadium, knowing that maximum points are vital to keeping their qualification hopes alive as they target a place in the knockout stages and a shot at qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Group A Standings (Matchday 1):
1. Morocco – 3 pts (+4)
2. Algeria – 3 pts (+2)
3. Senegal – 0 pts (-2)
4. Kenya – 0 pts (-4)
