Algeria beat Senegal 2-0 in first game

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Algeria began their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 campaign with an assured 2-0 victory over Senegal in the opening Group A match on Sunday evening in Rabat.

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A first-half penalty from Nguenar Ndiaye and a late strike by Mélissa Bethi secured the three points for the North Africans, who produced a disciplined display to claim an important early advantage in the race for the knockout stages.

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Senegal enjoyed slightly more possession but Algeria proved more clinical in front of goal, forcing five saves from their opponents while restricting Senegal to just two efforts on target.

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The breakthrough came in the 13th minute after Senegal were awarded a penalty, with captain Nguenar Ndiaye calmly converting from the spot to hand the West Africans an early lead.

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Algeria responded positively and gradually settled into the contest, showing greater attacking intent as the first half progressed while remaining organised defensively.

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Despite Senegal taking their slender advantage into the interval, Algeria emerged after the break even stronger and began asking more questions of the Senegalese defence.

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The introduction of fresh legs midway through the second half helped Algeria maintain their momentum, while Senegal made a series of substitutions in search of greater attacking penetration.

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Their persistence was rewarded five minutes from time when Mélissa Bethi finished confidently after being picked out by Lina Boussaha, doubling Algeria’s advantage and effectively putting the result beyond doubt.

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Senegal pushed forward during the closing stages, but Algeria remained composed to see out the contest and secure all three points with a clean sheet.

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The victory gives Algeria an ideal start to the tournament ahead of a highly anticipated meeting with hosts Morocco on Thursday. Senegal will look to respond when they take on Kenya earlier the same day in their second Group A fixture.

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