Morocco’s bid for a first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title began in emphatic fashion as the Atlas Lionesses swept aside Kenya 4-0 in their opening Group A match in Rabat.
Motivated by the disappointment of losing the 2025 final to Nigeria on home soil, Morocco delivered a dominant performance at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium to send an early warning to their rivals.
The victory moved Morocco to the top of Group A, ahead of Algeria, who had earlier defeated Senegal 2-0 in their opening fixture.
Morocco started with attacking intent and immediately pinned Kenya back, with young forward Kautar Azraf, a surprise starter for the tournament hosts, going close early on.
Zineb Redouani also threatened from distance, attempting to catch Kenya goalkeeper Lilian Awuor off her line with a looping effort that sailed over the crossbar.
The hosts continued to create chances, with Ibtissam Jraidi narrowly missing from Sanaa Mssoudy’s delivery before Nouhaila Benzina saw her header from Azraf’s free-kick blocked.
Kenya briefly threatened on the counter-attack, with Terry Engesha almost producing a spectacular opener from 40 metres as her attempted lob dipped dangerously towards Khadija Errmichi’s goal, only to strike the crossbar.
However, Morocco’s pressure eventually paid off in the 20th minute.
Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring with a composed finish after Yasmin Mrabet’s perfectly weighted through ball split the Kenyan defence, giving the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead.
Kenya almost responded immediately when Fasila Adhiambo’s cross created a chance for Eglay Mukhwana, but her effort flew over the Moroccan goal.
Instead, Morocco extended their advantage moments later.
Azraf delivered a dangerous corner into the box, and Maryame Atiq reacted quickest, throwing herself forward to meet the delivery with a diving header that found the far corner for 2-0.
The hosts continued their relentless first-half display and added a third goal before the interval. Hanane Ait El Haj delivered a precise cross from deep, allowing Jraidi to rise highest and head home to make it 3-0.
Jraidi completes brace as Morocco maintain control
Kenya faced an uphill task after the break, but Morocco showed no signs of slowing down.
The fourth goal arrived shortly after the restart when Sanaa Mssoudy sent a long cross from the right flank towards Jraidi, who completed her brace with a close-range finish from inside the penalty area.
With the result effectively secured, Morocco continued to dominate possession and created further opportunities.
Ait El Haj tested Awuor with a direct free-kick from around 30 metres, while Mrabet forced another save from the Kenyan goalkeeper with a dangerous set-piece effort.
Kenya continued searching for a consolation goal, with Shirleen Opisa seeing a cross-shot fly over the bar and Airin Madalina narrowly missing the target.
Morocco were able to manage the final stages comfortably, rotating their squad through several substitutions while maintaining control of the contest.
The hosts now turn their attention to a highly anticipated Group A clash against Algeria, a match expected to provide a much tougher test of their title ambitions.
Kenya, meanwhile, will look to respond against Senegal as they chase their first-ever point in the competition.
