There are moments in sports when a result, no matter how tough, becomes more than just a scoreline. This week, the Harambee Starlets vs Morocco friendly became one such moment—a vivid lesson for Kenya’s women’s national football team, stirring both disappointment and hope. As the dust settles on a 5-1 defeat in Tangier, what resonates is not only the margin but the collective response, the resilience, and the determination that followed.
Harambee Starlets humbled in Tangier
Under the setting evening lights of the Village Sportif de Tanger Stadium, the odds were always stacked against the Harambee Starlets. Morocco—the hosts, Africa’s third-best team, and ranked 60th globally—stood as an imposing opponent, especially with Kenya at 142nd in the world. From the first whistle, the gulf in experience was clear as Morocco seized the initiative, capitalizing on a slow start and scoring inside two minutes, sending an early warning of their intent.
Yet, even in adversity, the Starlets showed flickers of their potential. A well-taken equalizer by Fasila Adhiambo in the 20th minute reflected a team unwilling to surrender. The first half ended 1-1; optimism flickered, and Kenya dared to compete. It was, in many ways, a testament to the heart that has defined this squad since coach Beldine Odemba took charge.
Second-half struggles reveal wider gaps
After halftime, the cracks widened. The Moroccan Atlas Lionesses shifted to a higher gear, punishing defensive lapses and exploiting a tiring Kenyan backline. Four unanswered goals in the second period underlined Morocco’s relentless quality and exposed areas demanding Kenya’s urgent attention—tactical discipline, game management, and concentration under pressure. For the Starlets, the final whistle brought a 5-1 scoreline that stings, but one that lays bare the work ahead.
A valuable learning curve, not just a result
On the surface, it may be tempting to dwell solely on the numbers. But what unfolded in Tangier carried a deeper significance for Kenya’s football journey. Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed struck a defiant, forward-looking note, calling the defeat “a vital learning experience”—words echoed in both the corridors of FKF and the hearts of the players themselves. Facing elite teams, he emphasized, is essential to growth: “That was a solid test match against one of the best teams globally; you faced a formidable team, which is a great learning curve.”
Coach Odemba, always pragmatic, underlined similar sentiments: “The loss was a lesson. It showed us the gaps we need to close. These games are not about results alone but about preparing a solid team for competitive football in October.”
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Players ask for more tough tests
What sets this group of Starlets apart is their appetite for more. Rather than shrink from a heavy loss, captain Dorcas Shikobe led the calls for further high-profile friendlies. “We have learned a lot from these friendlies. We are still building the team, and the new players have learned a lot. This will help us in the upcoming match.” Her words echoed through the squad, with midfielder Violet Nanjala urging federation officials not to relent in arranging such fixtures. The squad’s message is clear: the path to improvement is paved with hard lessons.
A new era for the Harambee Starlets
This tour to Morocco marked the unveiling of new faces and fresh combinations. Kibera Soccer Women’s goalkeeper Vivian Shiyonzo, widely admired on the domestic scene, was rewarded with her first senior call-up and shared duties with veteran Annedy Kundu. In the absence of Romania-based regular Lilian Awuor, it was a chance for the next generation to stake their claim.
Defender Leah Andiema and midfielder Diana Wacera brought stability in their return to international action, while the debut of youngsters Phoebe Aketch and Martha Amunyolet hinted at a richer talent pipeline for the future. The return from injury of inspirational leader Dorcas Shikobe was particularly significant—her composure will be invaluable as the team regroups.
Squad depth and tactical balance
- the midfield, orchestrated by Simba Queens star Corazon Aquino, remains the engine room of the side,
- attacking options abound with Mwanahalima Adam, Emily Moranga, Faith Mboya, and the dynamic Jentrix Shikangwa ready to spearhead the forward line,
- the healthy blend of local and foreign-based talent offers a foundation for tactical flexibility and future success.
Casting eyes ahead to CECAFA and WAFCON
If the Morocco result was humbling, it also sharpened focus for what comes next—the CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship in Tanzania from June 12-22. Kenya will go toe to toe with Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan—a crucial regional platform that serves not just as a shot at silverware, but as vital preparation for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers in October.
The mission is twofold – here’s the immediate task of building match sharpness ahead of battling Gambia for a coveted WAFCON spot, squared – it is about nurturing team spirit and cohesion for the longer journey.
Brighter days ahead, fueled by resolve
History is never written in just one night. While Tangier delivered a sobering lesson for the Harambee Starlets, the story isn’t about defeat. It’s about finding purpose in pain, drawing inspiration from setbacks, and building a team that can compete on Africa’s biggest evenings. With young talents emerging and experienced leaders guiding the way, Kenya’s women’s football knows this: only by facing the best will they one day join their ranks.
As the curtain falls on the Morocco friendly, the Starlets are already back to work—focused, hungry, and dreaming bigger. The gap remains, but with every hard lesson learned, those steps forward become more determined, and the future a little bit brighter.
