The race for quarter-final places in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations intensified on Thursday as Morocco and Senegal both secured crucial victories in Group A. Morocco claimed a hard-fought 1-0 derby win over Algeria, while Senegal overcame Kenya by the same scoreline to keep their knockout-stage hopes firmly alive. The results set up a dramatic final round of group fixtures, with three teams still capable of advancing.
Senegal revive quarter-final hopes against Kenya
Seynabou Mbengue's first-half strike proved decisive as Senegal defeated Kenya 1-0 in a fiercely contested encounter at the tournament in Morocco. The victory marked a strong response from the Lionesses of Teranga after their opening defeat to Algeria, leaving them well placed heading into their final group match against hosts Morocco.
Senegal made the brighter start and found the breakthrough when Bineta Seck released Mbengue in space. The forward made no mistake, unleashing a powerful finish that gave Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor no chance. Kenya almost responded before the break, but captain Mwanalima Jereko's long-range effort drifted narrowly over the crossbar.
Senegal nearly doubled their advantage moments before half-time through Ndeye Awa Casset, only for Awuor to produce an outstanding save that tipped the effort onto the crossbar. The Harambee Starlets came out strongly after the restart, with Fasila Omondi testing goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye before substitute Marion Serenge squandered a glorious opportunity in the 62nd minute, firing wide with the goal at her mercy.
Kenya push hard but fall short
Kenya continued to push and came agonisingly close to an equaliser late on when Tereza Obunyu struck the woodwork before Ndiaye brilliantly denied Jereko from the rebound. Despite intense late pressure, Senegal held firm to secure all three points, leaving Kenya's hopes of reaching the knockout stage dependent on the final round of fixtures after a second consecutive defeat.
With four points from three matches, Senegal now sit level on points with Algeria but behind on goal difference. Their final group game against Morocco will effectively be a winner-takes-all contest for second place, unless other results intervene. Kenya, with zero points, are all but eliminated and will need a miracle to progress.
Mssoudy hands Morocco derby victory
In the day's other Group A fixture, Sanaa Mssoudy scored an 84th-minute winner as Morocco defeated Algeria 1-0 to make it two wins from two at the tournament. Both sides entered the North African derby on the back of opening victories, with Morocco having beaten Kenya 4-0 and Algeria overcoming Senegal 2-0.
The significance of the contest was evident from the opening whistle as both teams adopted a cautious approach in a physical and tactical battle. Algeria frustrated the hosts for long periods with a disciplined defensive display, limiting Morocco's attacking opportunities while remaining organised throughout the first half. The intensity of the contest produced several bookings, with Algeria's Ikram Adjabi and Ines Belloumou cautioned alongside Morocco's Hanane Ait El Haj before the interval.
Morocco's substitutions make the difference
Morocco increased the pressure after the break, and head coach Jorge Vilda turned to his bench by introducing experienced captain Ghizlane Chebbak after Ibtissam Jraidi had earlier entered the game. The changes eventually paid off in the 84th minute when Mssoudy finally broke Algeria's resistance, scoring the decisive goal to send the home supporters into celebration.
Algeria searched for a late equaliser, but Morocco defended resolutely to preserve their slender advantage and complete a second successive victory. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the win sends the Atlas Lionesses to the top of Group A with six points and puts them in a commanding position to qualify for the quarter-finals. Algeria remain level on three points with Senegal, setting up a decisive final round of group matches.
Final round promises high drama
Morocco, with six points, have already booked their place in the last eight as group winners, while Algeria and Senegal will battle for the second automatic spot. Kenya, despite their spirited displays, are bottom with no points and mathematically out of contention. The final round of fixtures will determine who joins Morocco in the quarter-finals, with Algeria facing Kenya and Senegal meeting Morocco on the closing matchday.
Thursday's results underscore the growing competitiveness of women's football in Africa, with narrow margins deciding crucial matches. All three goals in the two games came from open play, and the tournament's intensity has risen noticeably as teams fight for coveted knockout places.
