Algeria Defeats Senegal 2-0 in WAFCON Opener

In the opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations held in Rabat, Algeria defeated Senegal 2-0. The victory was marked by a significant blunder from Senegal's goalkeeper, Khady Faye, who allowed Melissa Bethi to score in the 88th minute.

Algeria's first goal came from captain Marine Dafeur, who converted a penalty in the 42nd minute after a controversial decision by the South African referee, despite minimal contact between Senegal's captain Korka Fall and Amira Braham. Algeria, ranked slightly higher than Senegal in Africa and five places higher globally, controlled the match with effective passing.

Senegal's chances of equalizing diminished after Faye's weak clearance led to Bethi's goal. The tournament continues with Morocco, the host nation and previous runners-up, facing Kenya later that day.