ALGERIA kicked off the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 2-0 victory over Senegal in the opening Group A fixture tonight in Rabat, Morocco.
A first-half penalty from Marine Dafeur and a late strike by Mélissa Bethi secured the three points for the North Africans, who produced a fine display to claim an important early advantage in the race for the knockout stages.
Senegal enjoyed slightly more possession but Algeria proved more clinical in front of goal, forcing five saves from their opponents while restricting Senegal to just two efforts on target.
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute after Algeria were awarded a penalty, with Dafeur calmly converting from the spot to hand the North Africans an early lead.
The introduction of fresh legs midway through the second half helped Algeria maintain their momentum, while Senegal made a series of substitutions in search of greater attacking penetration.
Algeria’s persistence was rewarded five minutes from time when Bethi finished confidently after being picked out by Lina Boussaha, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.
Senegal pushed forward during the closing stages, but Algeria remained composed to see out the contest and secure all three points with a clean sheet.
The victory gives Algeria an ideal start to the tournament ahead of a highly anticipated meeting with hosts Morocco on Thursday.
Senegal will look to respond when they take on Kenya earlier the same day in their second Group A fixture.
