Hosts Morocco and Algeria opened the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with victories over Kenya and Senegal respectively on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Atlas Lionesses began their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Kenya at the Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, with the Harambee Starlets making their first appearance at the tournament since 2016.
Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring before Ibtissam Jraïdi struck twice, either side of a header from Maryame Atiq Ez-Zity, as Morocco secured a comfortable victory.
Hanane Aït El Haj was instrumental in Morocco’s victory, setting up two goals to earn the player of the match award, while 18-year-old Kautar Azraf impressed on her competitive senior debut after starting in place of captain and reigning CAF Women’s Player of the Year Ghizlane Chebbak, who was an unused substitute.
The tournament’s opening ceremony added colour and spectacle to the occasion before Morocco’s match.
Earlier in the day, Algeria had also claimed a 2-0 victory over Senegal at the Stade Olympique de Rabat.
Fennecs captain Marine Dafeur opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute, netting the tournament’s first goal, before 20-year-old Melissa Bethi added a late second to seal the victory.
The result extended Algeria’s run of five consecutive clean sheets at the WAFCON, with goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi maintaining her impressive record since the 2024 edition. Bethi was named player of the match after marking her tournament debut with a goal.
Morocco sit top of Group A on goal difference and will face North African rivals Algeria in their next fixture, while Senegal will take on Kenya.
Matchday 1 continues today with South Africa facing Tanzania before Côte d’Ivoire meet Burkina Faso in a Group B encounter.
