Algeria Claims Victory Over Senegal in WAFCON 2026 Opener

In the opening match of the WAFCON 2026, Algeria triumphed over Senegal with a score of 2-0. The Desert Foxes secured their first-ever win against Senegal in this tournament.

Marine Dafeur opened the scoring for Algeria by converting a penalty awarded for a foul by Senegal captain Korka Fall on Algeria’s Oud Braham, putting Algeria ahead 1-0 in the 42nd minute. In the closing stages of the match, midfielder Mélissa Bethi, who recently signed a three-year contract with Washington Spirits in the USA, scored Algeria's second goal after a poor clearance from Senegal's defense.

This victory places Algeria at the top of Group A with three points, while Senegal finds itself at the bottom of the group. The tournament features an expanded format with 16 nations participating, and Morocco and Kenya are scheduled to compete later.