Algeria Secures WAFCON Opening Victory After Senegal Keeper's Gaffe

Algeria kicked off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 triumph over Senegal on Sunday, a victory largely influenced by a late error from Senegalese goalkeeper Khady Faye. Melissa Bethi capitalized on the blunder, netting Algeria's second goal in the 88th minute.

The North Africans had earlier broken the deadlock in the first half in Rabat when their captain, Marine Dafeur, successfully converted a penalty in the 42nd minute. Meanwhile, hosts and two-time consecutive runners-up Morocco are set to clash with Kenya later today in the other Group A fixture.

Senegal initially applied pressure, but struggled to create genuine scoring opportunities. Algeria progressively asserted control over the game, demonstrating precise passing that ultimately led to a well-deserved win. The Algerian side entered the match as slight favourites, holding a higher ranking both continentally (one spot above Senegal) and globally (five spots higher).

The penalty awarded to Algeria in the dying minutes of the first half, by the South African referee, sparked some controversy. Replays suggested minimal contact between Senegal's captain Korka Fall and Algerian player Amira Braham. However, after a VAR review, the match official's decision stood. Bristol City midfielder Dafeur then dispatched her left-footed shot into the right corner of the net.

Conversely, a similar incident involving Algerian player Lana Smits, who appeared to foul Tall Pene inside the penalty area just before the hour mark, went unpunished, with play continuing. Senegal's hopes of salvaging a draw were dashed when Faye's weak clearance was intercepted, leading to a swift pass that set up Bethi for a low shot into the net.

The tournament, hosted in Morocco, holds significant importance as it will determine Africa’s representatives for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Record ten-time champions Nigeria are scheduled to begin their journey on Tuesday in Group C, facing Malawi, a team bolstered by the formidable Chawinga sisters, Tabitha, who plays for Lyon, and Temwa, who represents Kansas City Connect.