The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicked off with a bang in Group A as hosts Morocco and Algeria secured commanding victories over Kenya and Senegal respectively, setting up a highly anticipated North African derby in the next round of fixtures.
Algeria's Clinical Edge Overcomes Senegal
Algeria launched their Morocco 2026 campaign with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Senegal on Saturday evening in Rabat. Despite Senegal enjoying slightly more possession, Algeria proved far more clinical in the final third, forcing five saves from the Senegalese goalkeeper while restricting their opponents to just two shots on target.
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute when Algeria were awarded a controversial penalty after minimal contact between Senegal captain Korka Fall and Amira Braham. Following a VAR review, Bristol City midfielder Dafeur converted with a left-footed shot into the right corner off the upright, giving Algeria a halftime lead.
Minutes into the second half, Algerian Lana Smits appeared to commit a similar foul on Tall Pene, but play continued, much to the frustration of Senegalese fans. Algeria’s persistence paid off five minutes from time when Mélissa Bethi finished confidently after being picked out by Lina Boussaha, sealing a deserved 2-0 victory and putting the result beyond doubt. Senegal pushed for a late response but Algeria remained organised defensively to preserve their clean sheet.
Morocco Dominate Kenya with Four-Goal Display
Tournament hosts Morocco underlined their title ambitions with a dominant 4-0 victory over Kenya at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday night. Making only their second WAFCON appearance, the Harambee Starlets hoped for a positive start but ran into a rampant Atlas Lionesses side determined to impress in front of a passionate home crowd.
Morocco controlled proceedings from the opening whistle before breaking Kenya’s resistance in the 19th minute. Yasmin Mrabet threaded a perfectly weighted through pass behind the Kenyan defence, allowing Sakina Ouzraoui Diki to race through and slot a right-footed finish beyond goalkeeper Lilian Awuor. The hosts doubled their advantage less than 10 minutes later when Maryame Atiq rose highest to head in a well-delivered cross.
The aerial assault continued in the 32nd minute as a pinpoint delivery from Hanane Aït El Haj found Ibtissam Jraidi, who powered another header into the net. Jraidi completed her brace just two minutes into the second half, converting a low cross from Sanaa Mssoudy from close range to cap an outstanding attacking display.
Kenya Show Promise Despite Heavy Defeat
Despite the final scoreline, Kenya created several encouraging moments before the game slipped away. With the score still 1-0, Fasila Omondi embarked on a determined run into Morocco’s penalty area in the 24th minute and connected well with a cut-back, but failed to beat the Moroccan goalkeeper. Shortly afterwards, Valerie Nekesa delivered an inviting cross to Eglay Mukhwana, who sent her effort wide in another missed opportunity that could have altered the contest’s complexion.
Ultimately, Morocco’s superior quality, experience and ruthless finishing proved decisive, as the Atlas Lionesses opened their campaign with an emphatic victory.
Crucial Fixtures Ahead
The results leave Morocco and Algeria level on three points heading into what promises to be a blockbuster group-stage clash between the North African rivals on Thursday. Kenya face a must-win encounter against Senegal at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday, knowing another defeat would leave their hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging by a thread. The Harambee Starlets will then round off their Group A campaign against Algeria on August 3, while Morocco and Algeria prepare for what could prove the decisive battle for top spot in the group.
