Morocco Wins Against Algeria, Senegal Beats Kenya in Group A Showdown

Hosts Morocco and Senegal boosted their chances for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-finals with important wins on Thursday. This sets up an exciting finish for Group A.

Morocco took the derby bragging rights with a tough 1-0 win over Algeria. Senegal also got back on track by narrowly beating Kenya by the same scoreline, keeping their qualification hopes alive.

Seynabou Mbengue’s goal in the first half was key as Senegal defeated Kenya 1-0 in a hard-fought match. This win was a strong comeback for the Lionesses of Teranga after losing to Algeria. They now sit in a good position ahead of their last group game against Morocco.

Senegal started well and made a breakthrough when Bineta Seck found Mbengue in space. The forward scored with a powerful shot that left Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor with no chance.

Kenya nearly found an equaliser before halftime. Captain Mwanalima Jereko’s long-range shot went just over the crossbar. Senegal almost doubled their lead just before the break when Ndeye Awa Casset’s shot was saved brilliantly by Awuor, hitting the crossbar instead.

After the break, the Harambee Starlets were strong, with Fasila Omondi testing Senegal's goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye. Substitute Marion Serenge then missed a great chance in the 62nd minute, shooting wide when she should have scored.

Kenya kept pushing and came close to equalising late in the game. Tereza Obunyu hit the woodwork, and Ndiaye made a brilliant save to deny Jereko on the rebound. Even with late pressure from Kenya, Senegal held on for the win. Kenya’s chance to reach the knockout stage now relies on the last round of matches after facing two straight losses.

In the other Group A match, Sanaa Mssoudy scored a late winner to help Morocco beat Algeria 1-0. This marked Morocco’s second win in a row at the tournament.

Both teams came into this North African derby after winning their opening games. Morocco had beaten Kenya 4-0, and Algeria had defeated Senegal 2-0.

The importance of this match was clear from the start, as both teams played carefully in a physical and tactical battle. Algeria frustrated Morocco for much of the game with a strong defensive effort, limiting Morocco’s chances in the first half.

The intensity led to several yellow cards, with Algeria’s Ikram Adjabi and Ines Belloumou booked, along with Morocco’s Hanane Ait El Haj before halftime. After the break, Morocco increased the pressure, and coach Jorge Vilda brought on experienced captain Ghizlane Chebbak after Ibtissam Jraidi had come into the game.

This change paid off in the 84th minute when Mssoudy finally broke through Algeria’s defense, scoring the decisive goal that sent the home fans into celebration.

Algeria looked for a late equaliser, but Morocco defended well to keep their lead and secure their second straight win. This result puts the Atlas Lionesses at the top of Group A with six points. They are in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals, while Algeria remains at three points alongside Senegal, setting up a crucial final round of group matches.