Algeria made a winning start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a 2-0 victory over Senegal in the tournament’s opening match in Rabat on Sunday.
Captain Marine Dafeur opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Mélissa Bethi struck late to seal all three points for the Fennecs, sending the North Africans to the top of Group A.
The victory saw Algeria continue their remarkable defensive record in the competition. Having not conceded a single goal at the 2024 WAFCON, where they kept four consecutive clean sheets, the Fennecs once again shut out their opponents.
Their last goal conceded at the tournament dates back to the 2018 edition, underlining their reputation as one of the competition’s toughest defensive sides.
More Read
Senegal began brightly and enjoyed a promising spell in the opening stages but were dealt a blow three minutes before half-time when a penalty was awarded against them. Dafeur kept her composure from 12 yards, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to score the first goal of the 2026 tournament and hand Algeria a 1-0 lead.
The Teranga Lionesses responded with greater urgency after the break, with head coach Mame Cissé making several changes in search of an equaliser. Despite creating opportunities and enjoying more possession, the West Africans were unable to find a breakthrough.
Algeria put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute when Bethi found the back of the net to complete a clinical performance and ensure the Fennecs opened their campaign with maximum points.
The defeat extends Senegal’s struggles against North African opposition at the WAFCON. The Lionesses have now failed to score in four consecutive meetings against teams from the region, with Sunday’s result adding another chapter to that unwanted record.
Group A action continues later on Sunday when hosts Morocco take on Kenya as both sides begin their quest for a place in the knockout stages.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
