WAFCON 2026: Algeria Open Campaign with Convincing Victory Over Senegal
Algeria made a statement on the opening day of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Senegal 2-0 in Group A at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.
Marine Dafeur broke the deadlock through a penalty shortly before half-time, before Melissa Bethi struck late to secure a commanding victory for Farid Benstiti’s side and extend Algeria’s remarkable defensive run in the competition.
The Fennecs have now recorded five successive clean sheets at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a sequence stretching back to their 2024 campaign, underlining the organisation and resilience that has become a defining feature of the team.
Dafeur, who captains Algeria after switching international allegiance from France in 2023, put her side ahead in the 42nd minute, reportedly converting from the penalty spot. Algeria had been forced to work for the breakthrough in a fiercely contested opening half, but they ultimately showed greater composure when the opportunity arrived.
Senegal, quarter-finalists at the last two editions of the tournament, responded with renewed urgency after the interval. The Lionesses, who had enjoyed recent success against Algeria in friendly meetings, pushed for an equaliser but found little room against a disciplined Algerian defence.
With Senegal chasing the game, Algeria delivered the decisive blow in the 88th minute when Bethi found the net to put the result beyond doubt and seal a memorable opening victory.
The result gives Algeria an early advantage in a demanding Group A, which also features hosts Morocco and Kenya. The Fennecs will next face Morocco, while Senegal will look to revive their campaign against Kenya as they pursue a historic first appearance in the semi-finals.
For Algeria, however, the immediate objective is clear. A disciplined performance, another clean sheet and three valuable points have provided the Fennecs with the perfect launch as they seek to improve on their quarter-final finish from 2024 and mount a deeper challenge for continental honours.
