Algeria booked a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Kenya 2-0 in their final Group A match, Bold sports reports.
The victory saw the North Africans finish second behind hosts Morocco, while Kenya ended the tournament without a win.
Algeria entered the decisive fixture after opening their campaign with a victory over Senegal before suffering a narrow defeat to Morocco. Those results left qualification within reach, and they delivered when it mattered by producing another disciplined display to advance to the knockout stage.
The North Africans wasted little time imposing themselves on the contest.
Captain Marine Dafeur opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a superb long-range free-kick that flew beyond Kenya goalkeeper Lilian Awuor.
Algeria doubled their lead just nine minutes later through Lynda Bendris. The forward pressed Kenya’s defence aggressively, forced a costly mistake from Elizabeth Ochaka inside the penalty area, and calmly converted despite Awuor getting a touch on the ball.
The quick-fire goals gave Algeria complete control before the half-hour mark.
Kenya responded with greater urgency after falling behind.
Martha Emedot nearly reduced the deficit in the 26th minute, but her powerful strike drifted narrowly wide. Algeria almost extended their advantage before the break when Morgane Ikene met a cross with a header that missed the target by inches.
The Harambee Starlets enjoyed more possession after the restart. However, Algeria’s organised defence prevented them from creating many clear opportunities.
Kenya’s best opening came in the closing stages. Captain Mwanalima Jereko controlled the ball brilliantly before sending a low effort just wide of the post.
Algeria comfortably protected their two-goal lead until the final whistle to seal an important victory and secure progression from Group A.
Morocco finished top of the group, with Algeria taking second place to qualify for the quarter-finals. Kenya, meanwhile, exited the tournament after collecting no points from three matches.
The result underlined Algeria’s defensive discipline throughout the contest and rewarded a composed performance that never allowed Kenya to build sustained momentum.
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