The Harambee Starlets vs Morocco friendly match was more than just a preparatory fixture for Kenya’s women’s football team—it was a revealing moment, laden with lessons and laced with hope for a brighter future. As the final whistle blew in Tangier, signaling a comprehensive 5-1 victory for the hosts, a palpable sense of introspection mingled with determination filled the Starlets’ camp, igniting discussions that reach well beyond the final scoreline.
A humbling night in Tangier offers real lessons
Wednesday night under the lights of The Village Sportif de Tangier Stadium began with optimism. Yet, harsh realities greeted Kenya as Morocco—ranked 60th in the world and African heavyweights—struck just two minutes in. For a moment, hope was restored when Fasila Adhiambo levelled for the Starlets in the 20th minute. That joy was short-lived, however, as the Atlas Lionesses ramped up their intensity in the second half, netting four unanswered goals and underlining the gulf that remains between these sides on the continental stage.
Despite the defeat, the spirit within the Kenyan squad remains remarkably resilient. Coach Beldine Odemba, reflecting on the experience, called it a “lesson” and stressed that matches like these are not simply about results but about building a robust squad capable of handling high-pressure qualifiers ahead. “These games are not about results alone but about preparing a solid team for competitive football in October,” Odemba’s words resounded with purpose.
Squad evolution and the emergence of new talent
Preparation for Morocco was far from routine for the Starlets, who landed in Tangier just a day before kickoff. Odemba’s squad was a blend of seasoned internationals and hungry debutants. The unveiling of Kibera Soccer Women’s star Vivian Shiyonzo—a formidable presence between the posts with 13 clean sheets in the domestic league—signaled Kenya’s intent to build depth. With regular keeper Lilian Awuor unavailable, Shiyonzo joined Annedy Kundu, forging newfound competition in goal.
Other fresh faces included defenders Phoebe Aketch and Martha Amunyolet, plucked from the ranks of Wiyeta Girls’ ever-productive school system, alongside the welcome return of experienced figures like Leah Andiema, Diana Wacera, and striker Tumaini Waliaula. At the heart of the defense, captain Dorcas Shikobe’s return from injury offered stability, experience, and calm leadership—an asset Kenya will rely on as regional and continental campaigns gather pace.
Reliance on midfield dynamism and attacking spark
Midfield remains a key battleground for the Starlets, with Simba Queens’ Corazon Aquino driving a core that includes Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, and Diana Wacera. Upfront, established names such as Mwanahalima Adam and Emily Moranga are expected to lead the line, backed by the likes of Jentrix Shikangwa and Faith Mboya—players equally adept at shouldering responsibility when opportunities arise.
Starlets’ mindset: embracing challenges, demanding more
What stands out in the aftermath of the Morocco match is the squad’s unwavering hunger for tougher opposition. Rather than shrink from the challenge of a five-goal defeat, the Starlets have demanded more. “This match has helped us a lot and we want another one because we are here to learn and that is what this sport is all about,” captain Shikobe declared with conviction. Her message was echoed by midfielder Violet Nanjala who urged the federation to keep searching for elite opponents, believing such experiences are priceless as the team matures.
“We are still building the team and the new ones have learned a lot. From July, there will be WAFCON and since most players will be at the tournament, those of us who will not be participating can use this time to rectify our mistakes.” – Violet Nanjala
The team’s mentality reveals a group unafraid to confront their shortcomings, focused instead on learning, improving, and closing the gap with Africa’s best sides.
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CECAFA and the WAFCON dream: what’s next for Kenya?
The journey intensifies as the Harambee Starlets set their sights on the upcoming CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship in Dar es Salaam. This five-nation event from June 12-22—featuring Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan—offers a stiff test of Kenya’s progress and a chance to fortify squad cohesion. More than just a regional trophy, CECAFA is now seen as an invaluable dress rehearsal for October’s all-important WAFCON qualifier against The Gambia.
- First, the team needs to hone combinations and increase match fitness,
- next, fine-tune tactical systems and give emerging talents minutes at the highest level,
- lastly, build the winning mentality essential to navigate the do-or-die scenario of continental qualifiers.
Kenya’s path to the 2026 WAFCON saw them edge Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate, prevailing in a narrow away win after a tense home stalemate. The prize: a ticket to the finals, contingent now on success against The Gambia in October’s decisive two-legged tie.
Federation and leadership support: building for the future
Leadership from the Football Kenya Federation has been publicly encouraging in the wake of defeat. President Hussein Mohammed called the Morocco fixture “a vital learning experience” and emphasized the long-term vision, stating, “Keep your spirits high, take the lessons, and with more such friendlies coming up, our game will steadily improve.”
The significance of testing oneself against top-ranked teams is not lost on the federation or the players—Morocco’s position, both as World Cup contenders and third in Africa, illustrates the benchmark Kenya needs to strive for as they pursue a second-ever WAFCON appearance, after making their debut in 2016.
Resilience, reflection, and the promise of tomorrow
The tale of Harambee Starlets vs Morocco is about more than stats and standings—it is a story of a team refusing to retreat in the face of adversity. It is about young talent stepping onto the continental stage, seasoned leaders rallying their teammates, and a collective belief that each setback seeds the ground for future triumphs. From the lessons learned in Tangier to the charged battles ahead in Dar es Salaam and beyond, Kenya’s women’s football team embarks on the next stage of their journey—hardened, hopeful, and hungry for more.
As October’s WAFCON qualifiers edge ever closer, the Starlets’ message resounds across Kenya and the continent: the journey is long, the obstacles many, but this squad will embrace every challenge, write their own narrative, and strive to etch their names into African football history.
