Algeria opened their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Senegal, giving the North Africans an early advantage in Group A while handing one of West Africa’s leading sides an opening-day setback.
Goals from Nguenar Ndiaye and Mélissa Bethi secured all three points in Rabat as Algeria combined defensive discipline with clinical finishing to begin their tournament in impressive fashion.
The result leaves Algeria well placed ahead of a crucial meeting with hosts Morocco, while Senegal will now be under pressure to bounce back against Kenya in their second group match.
Although Senegal enjoyed more possession for long spells of the contest, Algeria proved far more efficient in the final third.
The North Africans created the clearer opportunities throughout the evening, forcing five saves from the Senegal goalkeeper while limiting their opponents to just two efforts on target.
Their disciplined performance highlighted the importance of converting chances in tournament football, particularly in a tightly contested group where goal difference could become significant.
The opening stages saw both teams attempting to establish control, but it was Senegal who struck first.
Captain Nguenar Ndiaye calmly converted a penalty in the 13th minute to give the West Africans an early advantage after a spot-kick had been awarded.
Despite falling behind, Algeria refused to lose their composure.
Instead, they gradually grew into the contest, increasing their attacking intensity while remaining organised at the back.
Their defensive structure prevented Senegal from creating many clear opportunities despite enjoying a greater share of the ball.
As the first half progressed, Algeria looked increasingly confident and carried that momentum into the second period.
The North Africans emerged from the break with renewed purpose, pressing higher up the pitch and forcing Senegal deeper into their own half.
The introduction of fresh players midway through the second half helped Algeria maintain their intensity.
Senegal also made several substitutions in an attempt to inject more creativity into their attack, but the changes failed to unlock the Algerian defence.
The decisive moment arrived five minutes from full time.
Lina Boussaha produced the assist for Mélissa Bethi, who finished confidently to double Algeria’s advantage and effectively end Senegal’s hopes of mounting a late comeback.
Senegal pushed forward during the closing stages in search of a route back into the game, but Algeria remained composed and protected their lead comfortably to secure a clean sheet.
For Algeria, the victory represents the ideal beginning to a tournament in which every point could prove crucial.
An opening win not only boosts confidence but also places them in a strong position before their eagerly anticipated clash against tournament hosts Morocco.
For Senegal, however, the defeat means the pressure will immediately shift to their next Group A fixture against Kenya.
With only the top teams progressing to the knockout rounds, avoiding another slip-up will be essential if the Lionesses are to keep their qualification hopes firmly alive.
The result also underlines the growing competitiveness of women’s football across Africa, where margins between the continent’s leading nations continue to narrow.
While Senegal dominated possession, Algeria demonstrated that organisation, efficiency and composure in front of goal can often prove decisive on the biggest stage.
Their disciplined display in Rabat has given them an early foothold in Group A and strengthened belief that they can challenge for a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
