The race for the knockout stage at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) began with excitement in Group A. Hosts Morocco and Algeria both secured solid opening wins against Kenya and Senegal.
Morocco thrilled a packed home crowd by beating Kenya 4-0. Algeria also impressed with a 2-0 win over Senegal. This sets up an exciting match between the North African teams in their next group game.
Algeria Strikes First Against Senegal
Algeria kicked off their Morocco 2026 campaign on a winning note with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Senegal on Saturday night in Rabat.
Algeria was seen as the favorite, ranked just above Senegal in Africa and five spots higher worldwide. Even so, Senegal held more possession during the match. But Algeria was much sharper in front of goal, forcing the Senegalese goalkeeper into five saves while limiting Senegal to just two shots on target.
The match came alive in the 42nd minute when Algeria was awarded a questionable penalty by the South African referee. The contact between Senegal’s captain Korka Fall and Amira Braham was minimal. But after a VAR review, the referee stood by the decision. Bristol City midfielder Dafeur scored with a left-footed shot into the right corner, hitting the post and giving Algeria the lead just before halftime.
Moments later, just before the hour mark, Algeria's Lana Smits appeared to foul Tall Pene in the box. However, the referee waved play on, leaving Senegal’s fans feeling hard done by.
Senegal made several substitutions, trying to regain control. But Algeria sealed the win five minutes from time when Mélissa Bethi scored after being set up by Lina Boussaha. This confirmed their victory and secured all three points.
Senegal had been missing chances throughout the game and pushed for a late goal. Still, Algeria held firm defensively to keep their clean sheet and take the win.
This victory gives Algeria a strong position ahead of their big clash with Morocco on Thursday. Senegal now needs to regroup quickly before facing Kenya in another important Group A match.
Morocco Makes a Statement Against Kenya
Hosts Morocco showed their title ambitions with a strong 4-0 win over Kenya at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday night.
This was only Kenya's second time at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Harambee Starlets were hoping for a good start in a tough group with Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria.
Instead, they faced a strong Atlas Lionesses team eager to impress at home. Supported by a passionate crowd, Morocco took control right from the start and broke through Kenya’s defense in the 19th minute.
Yasmin Mrabet sent a perfect pass behind the Kenyan defense. Sakina Ouzraoui Diki raced through and calmly finished with her right foot past goalkeeper Lilian Awuor.
Morocco doubled their lead less than ten minutes later. Maryame Atiq headed in a well-placed cross to make it 2-0. The Atlas Lionesses continued to dominate, and in the 32nd minute, Hanane Aït El Haj delivered another pinpoint cross. Ibtissam Jraidi scored with a powerful header, sending Morocco into halftime with a 3-0 lead.
Jraidi scored again just two minutes into the second half. Sanaa Mssoudy made a great run down the right and delivered a low cross that Jraidi converted from close range, capping off a brilliant attacking display.
Kenya Shows Promise Despite Loss
Despite the heavy defeat, Kenya had some promising moments in the match. With the score at 1-0, Fasila Omondi made a strong run into Morocco’s penalty area in the 24th minute. She connected well with a cut-back but failed to finish past the Moroccan goalkeeper.
Not long after, Valerie Nekesa sent a good cross into the box, but Eglay Mukhwana missed an opportunity that could have changed the game.
Ultimately, Morocco’s better quality, experience, and finishing made the difference as they opened their campaign with a big win.
Upcoming Matches
Following these results, both Morocco and Algeria sit on three points. They are set for a huge clash on Thursday, which could decide the group leader.
Kenya needs to win against Senegal at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday. Another loss would put their chances of advancing in jeopardy. The Harambee Starlets will finish their Group A campaign against Algeria on August 3, while Morocco and Algeria prepare for their key battle for top spot.
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