Morocco crush Kenya 4-0, Algeria down Senegal 2-0 in WAFCON 2026 Group A openers
Morocco launched their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations host campaign with a dominant 4-0 victory over Kenya at Rabat's Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday night. Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Maryame Atiq and Ibtissam Jraidi (brace) extended the lead to 3-0 by halftime. Jraidi completed her brace early second half as Morocco controlled proceedings throughout.
Algeria secured a disciplined 2-0 win over Senegal in Saturday's evening match in Rabat. After a controversial VAR-assisted penalty in the 42nd minute converted by Dafeur, Mélissa Bethi sealed the victory five minutes from time. Senegal managed just two shots on target despite superior possession.
These results leave Morocco and Algeria tied at three points atop Group A, setting up a Thursday blockbuster that could decide group leadership. Meanwhile, Kenya faces Senegal in a must-win match the same day, knowing another defeat would severely dent their knockout hopes. The Harambee Starlets then meet Algeria on August 3.
With Nigeria's Super Falcons likely competing in another group, which Group A outcome would most favor Nigeria's path to the WAFCON quarterfinals if they finish as one of the tournament's best third-place teams?