Algeria made an impressive 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, moving to the top of Group A.
The North Africans scored in each half to secure a deserved win over the Lionesses of Teranga in a closely contested encounter, where clear-cut chances were limited for much of the game.
Bristol City midfielder Marine Dafeur opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, calmly converting a penalty to give Farid Benstiti’s side the lead before half-time.
Senegal responded strongly after the break in search of an equaliser, but Algeria remained defensively solid while continuing to threaten on the counter-attack.
Melissa Bethi sealed the victory in the 88th minute, finishing off a well-worked team move to put the result beyond doubt.
The win sends Algeria to the top of Group A ahead of the group’s second fixture, where hosts Morocco will take on Kenya’s Harambee Starlets later on Sunday.
