Algeria produced a composed and disciplined performance to defeat Kenya 2–0 in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) group-stage encounter, earning three valuable points in the race for a place in the quarter-finals.
The North Africans controlled much of the match, scoring in each half to secure a deserved victory over the Harambee Starlets.
Algeria Make a Positive Start
Algeria began the match confidently, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch.
Their persistence paid off midway through the first half when Ghoutia Karchouni broke the deadlock with a well-placed finish, giving Algeria a deserved 1–0 lead.
Kenya attempted to respond before the break, but Algeria’s organised defence kept the East Africans at bay.
Algeria Seal the Victory
Kenya came out with greater urgency in the second half and enjoyed more possession as they searched for an equaliser.
However, Algeria remained dangerous on the counterattack and doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute through Naïma Bouheni, who finished confidently after a swift attacking move.
The second goal effectively ended Kenya’s hopes of a comeback, allowing Algeria to manage the game comfortably until the final whistle.
Goalscorers
- 24′ – Ghoutia Karchouni (Algeria)
- 72′ – Naïma Bouheni (Algeria)
Algeria Continue Their Strong Campaign
The victory strengthens Algeria’s position in the group standings and boosts their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Their disciplined defending, effective midfield play, and clinical finishing demonstrated why they have emerged as one of the tournament’s most organised teams.
Kenya Left with Work to Do
For Kenya, the defeat is another setback in a challenging WAFCON campaign.
The Harambee Starlets showed determination throughout the match but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities against a well-drilled Algerian defence.
They will now look to finish the tournament on a positive note in their remaining fixture.
Final Thoughts
Algeria’s 2–0 victory over Kenya was a professional performance built on patience, organisation, and clinical finishing. Goals from Ghoutia Karchouni and Naïma Bouheni ensured the North Africans collected all three points and moved a step closer to the WAFCON quarter-finals.
With confidence growing, Algeria will now look to carry this momentum into the knockout stages, while Kenya will aim to learn from the experience and continue building for the future.
