Algeria kicked off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over Senegal on Sunday, earning all three points in the opening match of the expanded tournament in Morocco.
Marine Dafeur opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute before Mélissa Bethi sealed the win with a late strike in the 88th minute, giving Algeria a deserved victory in Rabat.
The result puts Algeria at the top of Group A ahead of hosts Morocco’s opening fixture against Kenya later on Sunday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Dafeur’s penalty also ended Algeria’s 381 minute goal drought at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Before Sunday’s breakthrough, their last goal in the competition came from Ghoutia Karchouni during a 1-0 victory over Botswana in their opening match of the 2024 edition.
After taking the lead just before half time, Algeria remained disciplined throughout the second half and frustrated Senegal with another solid defensive display. Bethi then wrapped up the victory two minutes from the end of normal time to ensure there would be no late comeback.
The midfielder entered the tournament on a high after completing her move from French side Nantes to National Women’s Soccer League club Washington Spirit. She recently signed a contract that will keep her with the American club until 2029.
Algeria’s victory also extended their impressive defensive record in the competition. Farid Benstiti’s side did not concede a single goal during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, keeping four consecutive clean sheets before eventually losing to Ghana on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Sunday’s encounter marked the first ever meeting between Algeria and Senegal at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals (WAFCON). Senegal arrived after reaching the quarter-finals in each of the last two editions but struggled to break down Algeria’s organised defence.
The win was Algeria’s fourth in 20 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations matches and their third opening day victory in seven tournament appearances. Their best finish in the competition remains the quarter-final place they achieved at the previous edition.
The 2026 tournament is the first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to feature 16 teams. The competition is divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will also secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Algeria will now turn their attention to a crucial WAFCON Group A clash against tournament hosts Morocco on Thursday, July 30, at 9 p.m. at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium. Earlier that day, Senegal will look to bounce back when they face Kenya at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.
