Algeria began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in impressive fashion with a well-deserved 2–0 victory over Senegal in their Group A opener at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

Goals from Marine Dafeur and Mélissa Bethi secured all three points for the North Africans, who produced a disciplined and confident display to move to the top of the group.

Dafeur Breaks the Deadlock

The opening stages of the match were closely contested, with both teams looking to settle into the tournament.

Senegal enjoyed spells of possession and attempted to build attacks through the midfield, but Algeria remained organized defensively and looked dangerous on the counterattack.

The breakthrough came just before halftime when Algeria were awarded a penalty. Marine Dafeur stepped up with composure and converted from the spot in the 42nd minute, giving Algeria a 1–0 lead heading into the break.

Algeria Stay in Control

Trailing by one goal, Senegal came out with greater urgency in the second half. The Lionesses tried to press higher up the pitch and searched for an equaliser, but Algeria’s defence remained compact and disciplined.

Although Senegal saw more of the ball at times, they struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Algeria, meanwhile, continued to threaten on the break and looked the more clinical side.

Bethi Seals the Victory

As Senegal pushed forward in the closing stages, Algeria capitalised on a defensive mistake.

Midfielder Mélissa Bethi calmly finished in the 88th minute, sealing a convincing 2–0 victory and ensuring Algeria collected all three points in their opening match.

Key Performers

Marine Dafeur was instrumental for Algeria, opening the scoring with a confidently taken penalty and helping control the midfield throughout the match.

Mélissa Bethi added the decisive second goal and worked tirelessly both in attack and defence, capping off an excellent individual performance.

Algeria’s backline also deserves praise for limiting Senegal to very few clear chances and maintaining their composure under pressure.

What the Result Means

The victory gives Algeria an excellent start to their WAFCON campaign and a valuable confidence boost as they prepare for tougher tests ahead in Group A.

For Senegal, the defeat is disappointing but not decisive. The Lionesses still have an opportunity to revive their qualification hopes in their remaining group matches. They will need to be more clinical in front of goal and improve their decision-making in the final third if they hope to progress to the knockout stage.

Final Thoughts

Algeria’s victory was built on discipline, patience, and clinical finishing. They defended well, took their chances when they came, and demonstrated why they could be one of the teams to watch in this year’s tournament.

Senegal, meanwhile, will look to learn from this setback and respond positively in their next outing. With the group stage still in its early days, there is plenty of football left to play, and the race for the knockout rounds remains wide open.

If Algeria continue to perform with the same organisation and efficiency they displayed against Senegal, they will be confident of making a deep run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.