Group A Heats Up As Morocco, Algeria Launch WAFCON Campaigns In Style
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
Morocco & Algeria Make Strong Opening Statements at WAFCON 2026
HOSTS Morocco and Algeria made impressive starts to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with convincing victories in their opening Group A matches. Their performances immediately positioned both North African sides as early favourites to advance to the knockout stage and set up what promises to be one of the biggest clashes of the group phase.
Morocco delighted a capacity home crowd with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Kenya. Algeria also secured maximum points after defeating Senegal 2-0 in a disciplined and efficient display.
The opening results placed both teams on three points. Their upcoming meeting is now expected to determine who takes control of Group A.
Algeria Punish Senegal With Clinical Display
Algeria entered the tournament with confidence after arriving as one of the continent’s most improved women’s teams. Although Senegal enjoyed more possession for long periods, Algeria showed greater composure whenever they attacked.
The breakthrough arrived late in the first half after the referee awarded Algeria a penalty following a challenge inside the box. The decision generated debate, but Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirmed the call.
The Algerian midfielder calmly converted from the spot to hand her side a deserved lead before halftime.
Senegal attempted to respond after the restart by introducing fresh players and pushing more bodies forward. However, Algeria remained organised defensively and frustrated every attacking move.
Their persistence eventually paid off in the closing stages when Mélissa Bethi finished confidently after a well-worked move to double Algeria’s advantage and seal a comfortable 2-0 victory.
The win underlined Algeria’s growing tactical maturity and defensive discipline as they prepare for a much tougher examination against tournament hosts Morocco.
Morocco Thrill Home Fans With Four-Star Performance
Morocco demonstrated why many observers consider them genuine title contenders.
Backed by thousands of passionate supporters inside the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, the Atlas Lionesses dominated possession and dictated the tempo from the opening whistle.
Their pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki finished calmly after receiving an excellent through pass from Yasmin Mrabet.
The hosts continued attacking with confidence. Maryame Atiq doubled the lead with a powerful header before Ibtissam Jraidi added another from a well-delivered cross to send Morocco into halftime with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
There was no let-up after the break.
Only two minutes into the second half, Sanaa Mssoudy delivered another dangerous cross and Jraidi completed her brace from close range to complete a dominant attacking display.
Morocco controlled every department of the game. Their movement, passing accuracy and aerial superiority proved too much for Kenya to handle.
Kenya Show Promise Despite Heavy Defeat
The scoreline did not fully reflect Kenya’s effort.
The Harambee Starlets created several promising opportunities before Morocco established complete control of the contest.
Fasila Omondi nearly pulled one back with an energetic run into the penalty area, while Valerie Nekesa produced dangerous deliveries that unfortunately went unfinished.
Those missed chances proved costly as Morocco punished nearly every defensive lapse.
Despite the defeat, Kenya showed enough quality to suggest they can still compete strongly in their remaining fixtures if they become more clinical in front of goal.
Group A Battle Intensifies
The opening round has already created an exciting race in Group A.
Morocco and Algeria sit level on three points ahead of their eagerly anticipated showdown. The encounter could determine which nation finishes as group winner.
Meanwhile, Senegal and Kenya now face enormous pressure to revive their campaigns. Their next meeting has effectively become a must-win contest for both teams if they hope to remain in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
With the tournament only beginning, Group A has already produced attractive football, tactical battles and strong championship ambitions. The next round of fixtures promises even greater intensity as the race for qualification gathers momentum.
