Morocco made an immediate statement at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as the hosts swept aside Kenya 4-0 in their opening Group A match, while Algeria beat Senegal 2-0 in the other group encounter.
At the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Ibtissam Jraidi scored twice, while Sakina Ouzraoui and Meriem Atiq were also on target as the Atlas Lionesses produced a dominant performance in front of their home supporters.
The result sent Jorge Vilda’s side to the top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Algeria.
For Kenya, making their return to the continental finals after a decade away, it was a difficult introduction against a Morocco side determined to build on consecutive runners-up finishes in the competition.
The victory places Morocco at the summit of Group A with three points and a superior goal difference to Algeria. Senegal sit third after their opening defeat, while Kenya are bottom of the section ahead of the second round of matches.
Morocco will next face Algeria in what is already shaping up to be a decisive contest between the group’s two early leaders.
Kenya, meanwhile, must recover quickly before meeting Senegal, with both teams needing a positive response to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Algeria makes winning start against Senegal
Algeria began its2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with an assured 2-0 victory over Senegal in their Group A match in Rabat.
A first-half penalty from Marine Dafeur and a late strike by Mélissa Bethi secured the three points for the North Africans.
Algeria produced a disciplined display to claim an important early advantage in the race for the knockout stages.
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.
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 in the other Group A fixture of the day.
The expanded 16-team tournament also serves as a qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four semi-finalists will qualify directly, while two quarter-finalists will progress to the inter-confederation play-offs.
, as the hosts swept aside Kenya 4-0.){kind=link}