Algeria make winning start to WAFCON 2026 with victory over Senegal

Marine Dafeur and Melissa Bethi scored as Algeria defeated Senegal 2-0 to begin their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a convincing victory.

Algeria opened their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Senegal in Rabat, with goals in either half securing all three points.

Marine Dafeur broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute by converting a penalty, becoming the first player to score at the 2026 edition of the tournament.

Melissa Bethi sealed the result in the 88th minute after finishing from Lina Boussaha’s assist, ensuring Algeria made a winning start.

FT | Algeria 2-0 Senegal

42' Marine Dafeur ⚽
88' Melissa Bethi ⚽

Goals in either half helped The Fennecs secure a winning start to the 2026 Women's African Cup of Nations.

It's their fourth win in the tournament, overtaking Senegal (3) — only eight countries have won more.… pic.twitter.com/SSQ0bHU5IM

— HF World (@hfworld_) July 26, 2026

The victory also marked Algeria’s fourth win in Women’s AFCON history, moving them ahead of Senegal, who remain on three tournament victories, with only eight nations having recorded more wins in the competition’s history.

The Fennecs move to the summit of Group A ahead of the other clash between Kenya and host Morocco later on Sunday.