Algeria kicked off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in impressive fashion with a well deserved 2–0 victory over Senegal in the opening match of the tournament, combining defensive discipline with clinical finishing to secure all three points in Rabat, Morocco.
The Group A encounter produced moments of drama, controversy, and late excitement as the North Africans capitalized on their opportunities while Senegal paid dearly for missed chances and a costly goalkeeping mistake.
With the opening fixture carrying added significance, both teams entered the contest determined to begin their continental campaign on a positive note. Senegal started brightly and looked eager to take control, pressing high and attempting to stretch the Algerian defence through quick attacks down the wings.
Despite their energetic start, Senegal struggled to convert possession into meaningful opportunities. Algeria gradually settled into the rhythm of the match, becoming more composed in midfield and showing greater confidence whenever they moved forward.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 42nd minute after Algeria were awarded a penalty following a challenge inside the penalty area involving forward Amira Braham.
The decision sparked strong protests from the Senegalese players, who believed the contact was insufficient to justify a spot kick. Following a review by the Video Assistant Referee, however, the referee confirmed the penalty.
Captain Marine Dafeur accepted the responsibility and calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to hand Algeria a crucial lead just before halftime.
The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Algeria’s favour as they entered the dressing room with confidence while Senegal faced the challenge of finding a way back into the contest.
The second half saw Senegal increase their attacking intensity in search of an equalizer. Their midfield pushed forward more aggressively and they enjoyed longer spells of possession, forcing Algeria to defend deep for extended periods.
Senegal created several dangerous moments, particularly through attacks on the flanks, but Algeria’s defensive organization frustrated every attempt. The North Africans remained compact and disciplined, limiting clear scoring opportunities despite sustained pressure.
The West Africans believed they had a strong claim for a penalty midway through the second half when Tall Pene went down inside the Algerian penalty area after a challenge from a defender. Their appeals were waved away by the referee, leaving Senegal frustrated as valuable minutes slipped away.
While Senegal searched desperately for the equalizer, Algeria remained patient and looked dangerous on the counterattack whenever spaces opened behind the advancing Senegalese defence.
That tactical discipline paid off in the closing stages when Senegal suffered a heartbreaking setback through an unfortunate goalkeeping error.
In the 88th minute, goalkeeper Khady Faye attempted to clear the ball under pressure but produced a weak clearance that was immediately intercepted by Algeria.
The loose ball quickly found its way to Melissa Bethi, who kept her composure before placing a precise finish into the net to double Algeria’s advantage and effectively secure victory.
Bethi’s late strike ended Senegal’s hopes of mounting a comeback and sparked celebrations among the Algerian players and coaching staff, who recognized the importance of opening the tournament with maximum points.
The victory gives Algeria an excellent platform in Group A, boosting their confidence ahead of the remaining fixtures as they seek qualification for the knockout stages of the competition.
Head coach Farid Benstiti will also be encouraged by his team’s defensive resilience. Despite periods of sustained pressure from Senegal, Algeria maintained their shape and remained composed throughout the contest, demonstrating the tactical maturity needed to compete at the highest level of African women’s football.
For Senegal, the defeat represents a disappointing start but not the end of their campaign. The team showed determination and attacking ambition for long stretches of the match, yet their inability to convert chances and the costly defensive error ultimately proved decisive.
The result means Senegal must now recover quickly and produce positive performances in their remaining group matches if they hope to secure qualification for the quarterfinals.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations continues to grow in quality and competitiveness, with teams across the continent investing heavily in women’s football. Algeria’s disciplined display against Senegal suggests they could emerge as one of the tournament’s surprise contenders if they maintain the same level of organization and efficiency.
As the competition progresses, Group A promises more exciting encounters, but Algeria have already taken an early step toward the knockout rounds with an impressive opening victory built on Marine Dafeur’s 42nd minute penalty and Melissa Bethi’s decisive 88th minute strike.
