Algeria midfielder Mélissa Bethi has been named the Woman of the Match after playing a decisive role in her country’s 2-0 victory over Senegal in their opening fixture of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The award capped an impressive individual performance from Bethi, whose late goal sealed all three points for Algeria as the North Africans made a strong start to their Group A campaign in Rabat.
With the match delicately balanced heading into the closing stages, Bethi provided the decisive moment, finishing confidently after being set up by Lina Boussaha to ensure Algeria began the tournament with an important victory.
The goal not only secured the win but also earned the midfielder the first Woman of the Match recognition for her team at this year’s competition.
Algeria’s victory was built on a disciplined and organised display that frustrated Senegal despite the West Africans enjoying more possession for large parts of the contest.
While Senegal controlled the ball for extended periods, Algeria proved more effective in both penalty areas, creating the clearer opportunities and limiting their opponents to just two shots on target.
The opening exchanges saw both sides attempting to establish their rhythm before Senegal moved ahead early in the contest.
Captain Nguenar Ndiaye converted from the penalty spot in the 13th minute after Senegal had been awarded a spot-kick, giving the West Africans an early advantage.
Rather than allowing the setback to affect them, Algeria gradually settled into the game.
Their defensive organisation prevented Senegal from creating sustained pressure, while their attacking confidence continued to grow as the first half progressed.
The North Africans returned after the break with greater intensity, pushing higher up the pitch and forcing Senegal onto the defensive.
Changes from the bench also helped Algeria maintain their momentum during the second half.
Senegal introduced fresh players in an effort to improve their attacking threat, but Algeria’s disciplined defensive structure continued to deny them clear opportunities.
The decisive breakthrough arrived five minutes from full time.
Lina Boussaha produced an intelligent pass to Bethi, who finished confidently to double Algeria’s advantage and effectively end Senegal’s hopes of salvaging a result.
The goal highlighted Bethi’s composure in front of goal and proved to be the defining moment of the contest.
Senegal attempted to respond during the closing minutes, but Algeria comfortably protected their lead to secure a clean sheet and an ideal start to the tournament.
For Bethi, the Woman of the Match award recognises a performance that combined hard work in midfield with a match-winning contribution in the attacking third.
Her display also reflected Algeria’s collective approach, with the team showing resilience after conceding early before taking control of the game in the second half.
The victory places Algeria in a strong position in Group A ahead of a highly anticipated meeting with hosts Morocco.
