WAFCON 2026 Kicks Off: Algeria Dominates Senegal in Opening Match

Algeria kicked off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a decisive 2-0 victory over Senegal at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The Desert Foxes, participating in the expanded 16-nation tournament, secured their win by scoring one goal in each half of the keenly contested Group A encounter, marking their first WAFCON win over Senegal on their inaugural meeting.

The first half saw both teams fighting hard to break the deadlock in an evenly matched contest. The breakthrough came three minutes before the break, in the 42nd minute, when Bristol City midfielder Marine Dafeur successfully converted a penalty kick. The penalty was awarded after Senegal captain Korka Fall committed a foul on Algeria’s Oud Braham, allowing Dafeur to step up and send the goalkeeper the wrong way, giving Algeria a crucial 1-0 lead.

Farid Benstiti’s side continued to maintain pressure, and their efforts were rewarded late in the second half. With just two minutes remaining in the game, Melissa Bethi sealed Algeria’s deserved victory. Capitalizing on a poor clearance, Bethi, who recently signed a three-year contract with Washington Spirits in the USA, skillfully stepped past a defender before lashing a shot into the net, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

This comfortable victory temporarily placed Algeria at the top of Group A with three points, while Senegal found themselves at the bottom. The group's other match is scheduled to see hosts Morocco take on the Harambee Starlets of Kenya later on Sunday evening.