Algeria have reached the quarter-finals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 victory over Kenya secured second place in Group A.
The North African side scored twice in the opening half before defending their advantage after the interval to complete a comfortable victory on Tuesday.
Algeria finish the group stage one point behind hosts Morocco, who topped Group A, while Kenya’s defeat brings their campaign to an end.
Captain Marine Dafeur opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a superb free-kick from distance. Her effort travelled beyond the reach of Kenya goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, giving Algeria an early advantage.
The goal provided Algeria with the platform they needed and they soon increased their lead.
Nine minutes after Dafeur’s opener, Lynda Bendris made it 2-0 following sustained pressure on the Kenyan defence.
Bendris pressed goalkeeper Elizabeth Ochaka inside the penalty area and forced her into making an error. The Algerian attacker then sent the ball towards goal. Awuor managed to get a hand to the shot, but could not prevent it from crossing the line.
Kenya, known as the Harambee Starlets, responded with greater urgency and came close to reducing the deficit shortly afterwards.
Martha Emedot found space to attempt a long-range effort in the 26th minute, but her shot narrowly missed the target.
Algeria continued to look dangerous as the first half progressed and almost added a third goal before the break.
Morgane Ikene connected with a cross in the 37th minute and directed a header towards goal, but the attempt went narrowly past the upright.
Kenya returned for the second half with a more positive approach and enjoyed a greater share of possession as they attempted to get back into the match.
However, Algeria remained organised at the back and restricted Kenya to few clear chances in front of goal.
The Kenyan side continued to search for a way through but struggled to turn their increased possession into a goal.
Their strongest opportunity of the second half came with 10 minutes remaining.
Kenya captain Mwanalima Jereko showed good control to bring the ball under control with her first touch before attempting a low finish. Her effort, however, went just wide of the post.
That proved to be one of Kenya’s final opportunities to alter the outcome as Algeria maintained their defensive shape and managed the closing stages effectively.
The victory means Algeria progress to the knockout phase as runners-up in Group A. Morocco finish top of the section, while Kenya are eliminated from the tournament.
Algeria’s two-goal first-half performance ultimately proved decisive, with Dafeur’s free-kick and Bendris’ pressing helping them establish a lead they did not surrender.
Having protected their advantage after the break, Algeria can now prepare for the quarter-finals as they continue their bid for success at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
