- Morocco vs Kenya: Harambee Starlets open their WAFCON 2026 campaign against hosts Atlas Lionesses
- The match will be played on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
- Kick-off is set for 11pm EAT and will be live on free-to-air KBC
The senior national football team, Harambee Starlets, will kick off their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) campaign on Sunday night, when they take on hosts Morocco at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat from 11pm EAT.
It will be a historic moment for the Kenyan side as they return to the continental stage for the first time in a decade, having last featured in the tournament in 2016.
To achieve this feat, Kenya overcame Tunisia and Gambia in the qualifiers to end their long absence.
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They edged Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate in the first qualifying round after drawing the first leg 0-0 at home before securing a 1-0 away victory in Sousse, courtesy of Terry Engesha.
Mwanalima Adam Jereko, who had already found the net in the first leg, scored the decisive goal in the second leg as Kenya sealed a 4-1 aggregate triumph over Gambia in the second qualifying round.
Now back on the continental stage, the Starlets will be aiming to surpass their 2016 campaign, where they exited in the group stage.
They will also be chasing their first-ever WAFCON victory despite being drawn in a challenging Group A Alongside Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria.
ALSO READ: Harambee Starlets learn WAFCON 2026 playing schedule and potential knockout opponents
Their debut tournament in 2016 began with back-to-back 3-1 losses to Ghana and Mali, before falling 4-0 to Nigeria.
Kenya actually took the lead through Esse Akida in the 23rd minute of their opener against Ghana, but conceded three second-half goals to suffer a 3-1 defeat.
Head coach Beldine Odemba remains unfazed ahead of the opening encounter, insisting that facing the tournament hosts is part of the challenge of competing at the highest level.
“These young players bring unique experience to our football. They have already played in a World Cup, they know the demands of the highest level,” emphasized Odemba, one of the few women managing a senior national team on the continent.
“To grow, you have to face the best. Playing the host nation right from the start is a privilege. We want to get off to a good start and we are ready.”
Standing in Kenya’s way of a first point and potentially a maiden WAFCON victory, are the hosts, who will be making their fifth appearance at the tournament.
Morocco are among the tournament favourites after finishing runners-up in the last two editions, losing to South Africa in the 2022 final and Nigeria in the 2024 final.
Under Spanish coach Jorge Vilda, who guided Spain to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title, Morocco are hosting the tournament for the third consecutive edition.
The Atlas Lionesses are currently on a two-match winless run at the finals. They beat Ghana on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the semi-final before falling 3-2 to Nigeria in the final of the previous edition.
“Playing at home, in front of our fans and families, will never be a negative. We do not feel that pressure. If anything, we feel the excitement and privilege of showcasing our football,” the Spanish coach said.
Morocco vs Kenya betting tips
This fixture mark the first meeting between the two nations at WAFCON, and Morocco are facing East African opponents at the finals for only the second time.
Their sole previous encounter was a 3-1 group-stage victory over Uganda in 2022, with Rosella Ayane and Ghizlane Chebbak converting first- and second-half penalties respectively, while Nesryne El Chad netted the other goal in between.
Kenya are facing a host nation at WAFCON for the first time, with all three of their previous matches in the tournament coming against West African sides during their debut in 2016.
Where to watch Morocco vs Kenya WAFCON Group A opener
Kenyan fans and the nation at large will have the chance to enjoy free-to-air live coverage of the CAF WAFCON 2026 tournament, after national broadcaster KBC secured the rights to screen all matches.
On the pay-TV front, SuperSport (via DStv and GOtv), StarTimes, and Azam TV will deliver premium, high-quality coverage.