The Atlas Lionesses scored three times in a devastating 13-minute spell either side of the half-hour mark and added a fourth early in the second half to secure a dominant Group A victory in front of a buoyant home crowd.
Clinical First-Half Display
Morocco took control after a relatively even opening period. Sakina Ouzraoui broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, finishing a precise through ball from Yasmin Mrabet.
Maryame Atiq doubled the lead nine minutes later with a powerful header, before Ibtissam Jraidi made it 3-0 in the 32nd minute, converting a delivery from Hanane Aït El Haj.
Kenya, appearing at the tournament for only the second time, struggled to contain Morocco’s movement and intensity. Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor made several important saves but was left exposed by a disorganised defence.
Jraidi Completes Brace
Any faint hopes of a Kenyan recovery evaporated almost immediately after the interval. Just two minutes into the second half, Jraidi scored her second of the night — again assisted by Aït El Haj — to make it 4-0.
Morocco coach Jorge Vilda was able to rest key players in the latter stages as the hosts comfortably managed the remainder of the contest. Kenya created limited clear chances, although they did strike the woodwork at one stage.
Group A Picture
The result hands Morocco three points and a healthy goal difference at the top of Group A, which also includes Algeria and Senegal. Algeria had earlier opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over Senegal.
Morocco will next face Algeria on Thursday, 30 July, again at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, while Kenya must regroup quickly ahead of their meeting with Senegal.
The comprehensive victory underlines Morocco’s credentials as one of the leading contenders for the title on home soil, following their runners-up finishes in the previous two editions.