Morocco, the hosts of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, opened the tournament with a 4-0 thrashing of Kenya on Sunday.
Ibtissam Jraïdi scored twice as the North Africans made a statement of intent in Rabat.
The Atlas Lionesses, who are looking to overthrow Nigeria as champions, raced into a three-goal lead by half time, thanks to Sakini Ouzraoui Diki, Maryame Atiq and Jraidi.
Jraidi then completed her brace after half time.
Algeria also defeated Senegal 2-0 to kick off the biennial continental showpiece.
Captain Marine Dafeur converted her penalty kick in the 42nd minute after Korka Fall was deemed to have caught Amira Braham in the box.
Debutant, Melissa Bethi then netted her team’s second goal in the 88th minute.
Senegal and Kenya face off in their next group fixture on Thursday, while Morocco take on fierce rivals and neighbours Algeria.
South Africa take on Tanzania as Group B fixtures begin on Monday, before Ivory Coast play West African rivals, Burkina Faso.
