Starlets Open WAFCON Campaign with Heavy Morocco Defeat
The national women's football team suffered a painful 4-0 loss to tournament hosts Morocco in their Women's Africa Cup of Nations Group A opener.
Played at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat on Sunday, the match marked the side's return to the continental stage after a ten-year absence. Early promise quickly faded as the experienced home team took full control and converted chances with clinical precision.
An early opportunity raised hopes when forward Tereza Engesha struck the crossbar with a powerful shot inside the first ten minutes. That moment proved the high point for the visitors. Morocco broke the deadlock in the 19th minute through Sakina Ouzraoui, who finished calmly after receiving a precise through ball from Yasmin Mrabet. The hosts doubled their lead nine minutes later when defender Maryame Atiq headed home a corner that the defence failed to clear.
Morocco sealed the result before the break when Hanane Ait El Haj delivered an accurate cross that Ibtissam Jraidi headed into the net in the 32nd minute. Just two minutes after the restart, Ait El Haj again supplied the final pass and Jraidi scored her second goal of the evening, completing a dominant first half and early second-half display by the Atlas Lionesses.
Coach Beldine Odemba introduced fresh legs in an effort to stabilise the side. The team responded with improved organisation and limited further damage despite continued pressure from the hosts. The heavy scoreline left the side at the bottom of Group A after Algeria had earlier defeated Senegal 2-0 in the group's opening fixture.
Attention now turns to Thursday's crucial encounter against Senegal. A positive result is essential if the team hopes to remain in contention for the knockout stages. The campaign will conclude against Algeria, leaving little room for further setbacks after a disappointing start in Rabat.
