Algeria sink Senegal to make dream start at WAFCON 2026

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Algeria opened their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign on a bright note with a convincing 2-0 victory over Senegal in the tournament’s opening match at the Stade Olympique de Rabat in Morocco on Saturday.

The North Africans made the breakthrough in the 42nd minute when M. Dafeur calmly converted a penalty to hand Algeria a deserved lead after an evenly contested first half.

Senegal returned after the break determined to restore parity and made a series of substitutions in a bid to inject urgency into their attack. However, Algeria’s disciplined defence kept the West Africans at bay while posing a constant threat on the counter.

Algeria eventually wrapped up the victory in the 88th minute when M. Bethi, assisted by L. Boussaha, fired home to seal all three points and give Algeria the perfect start to their continental campaign.

Although Senegal edged possession with 53 per cent compared to Algeria’s 47 per cent, the Algerians proved more clinical in the final third.

Algeria created four big scoring chances from 10 attempts, while Senegal managed only one clear-cut opportunity despite registering 11 shots.

The North Africans also recorded 16 touches inside Senegal’s penalty area, underlining their attacking intent throughout the encounter.

The result gives Algeria an early advantage in the group as they seek a place in the knockout stage, while Senegal will look to bounce back in their next fixture to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The match was officiated by South African referee Akhona Makhalima before spectators at the 21,000-capacity Stade Olympique de Rabat.