Hosts Morocco women’s national football team and Algeria women’s national football team kicked off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaigns in style on Sunday, recording dominant victories to take an early grip on Group A.
Morocco thrashed Kenya women’s national football team 4-0 in Rabat, while Algeria secured a 2-0 win over Senegal women’s national football team in the tournament’s opening fixture.
The Atlas Lionesses, runners-up in the last two editions, controlled proceedings from the first whistle. Sakina Ouzraoui Diki opened the scoring in the 20th minute after creating space inside the penalty area before finishing confidently.
Meriem Atiq doubled the lead eight minutes later, powering home a header from a corner, before Ibtissam Jraïdi added a third with another well-taken header just before the interval.
Jraïdi completed her brace only two minutes into the second half, putting the contest beyond Kenya as Morocco comfortably sealed a comprehensive victory.
The result sent Jorge Vilda’s side to the top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Algeria.
Earlier in Rabat, Algeria earned a deserved 2-0 victory over Senegal.
Captain Marine Dafeur broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute after a VAR review confirmed the referee’s decision to award a penalty for a foul on Amira Braham.
Although the call generated debate following minimal contact from Senegal captain Korka Fall, Dafeur calmly slotted a left-footed effort into the bottom corner.
Senegal pushed for a response after the break but failed to break down Algeria’s resolute defence. Their hopes were extinguished in the 88th minute when a poor clearance was intercepted, allowing debutant Melissa Bethi to score Algeria’s second goal.
Morocco and Algeria now occupy the top two spots in Group A with three points each, while Senegal and Kenya are yet to register a point.
The two North African sides will face each other in the next round in a clash that could decide the group’s top spot, while Kenya and Senegal meet in a crucial fixture as both teams seek their first points.
Group B action begins on Monday, with defending champions South Africa women’s national football team taking on Tanzania women’s national football team before Côte d’Ivoire women’s national football team face Burkina Faso women’s national football team.
Record 10-time champions Nigeria women’s national football team begin the defence of their title on Tuesday against Malawi women’s national football team in Group C, with Malawi hoping sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga can inspire an upset.
The expanded 16-team tournament also doubles as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically, while the two losing quarter-finalists will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.
Following the defeat, Kenya head coach Beldine Odemba acknowledged her team’s shortcomings and urged improvement ahead of their remaining group matches.
“We didn’t have the desired control in the transition phases. We have two matches left against Senegal and Algeria; it’s up to us to correct our mistakes,” she said.
Morocco coach Jorge Vilda expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance after the emphatic win.
“It’s a good start. When you start a tournament like this, it means you’ve had good preparation. I’m satisfied with what I saw from the team today,” he said.
