The expanded 16-team Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) got off to a explosive start in Group A, as North African sides Morocco and Algeria both secured commanding opening-day victories to stake an early claim for the quarter-finals.
Host Nation Morocco Steamrolls Kenya 4–0
Tournament hosts and 2024 runners-up Morocco delivered a ruthless performance in front of a roaring home crowd, putting Kenya to the sword in a dominant four-goal display.
Early Breakthrough: Sakina Ouzraoui set the stadium alight just 15 minutes in, opening the scoring with a crisp finish.
Doubling Down: Maryem Atiq added a second in the 28th minute as the Atlas Lionesses controlled every inch of the pitch.
Jraidi’s Double: Star striker Ibtissam Jraidi took center stage by netting twice within an 18-minute span across the halftime break to complete her brace and wrap up a 4–0 rout.
Star Performer: Defender Hanane Aït El Haj produced a masterclass at the back to claim the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match award.
Algeria Outlast Senegal in 2–0 Opener
Earlier in the day, Algeria made history by winning the inaugural match of the expanded tournament format, holding off a tough Senegal side.
First-Half Punch: Marine Dafeur broke a tense deadlock in the 42nd minute to send the Green Ladies into the break with a well-earned lead.
Late Winner: As Senegal pushed hard for an equalizer late in the second half, Melissa Bethi put the game out of reach with a calm finish in the 88th minute.
Star Performer: Scoring the killer second goal capped off a brilliant all-around display for Melissa Bethi, who picked up the Woman of the Match honors.
With both Morocco and Algeria locked at 3 points atop the standings, Group A is already living up to its billing as one of the most exciting battles of the tournament.