The 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) got off to an exciting start on Sunday, with Algeria and hosts Morocco recording emphatic victories to open their Group A campaigns on a winning note.
Algeria claimed the first win of the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Senegal in the opening fixture in Rabat. Marine Dafeur converted a penalty in the 42nd minute to hand the North Africans the lead before Mélissa Bethi sealed the result with an 88th-minute strike.
The victory earned Algeria the first three points of the competition and placed them firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage.
Hosts Morocco then thrilled their home fans with a commanding 4-0 victory over Kenya in the second Group A fixture.
The Atlas Lionesses dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, producing an impressive attacking display to secure all three points.
The comprehensive victory also saw Morocco move to the top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Algeria.
Group A Standings (After Matchday 1)
Morocco – 3 points (+4)
Algeria – 3 points (+2)
Senegal – 0 points (-2)
Kenya – 0 points (-4)
Attention now shifts to Group B action on Monday, July 27, where former champions South Africa begin their title defence against Tanzania, while Côte d’Ivoire face Burkina Faso.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, aiming for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, will begin their Group C campaign on Tuesday, July 28, against Malawi. Zambia will take on Egypt in the other Group C fixture on the same day.
With the tournament expanded to 16 teams, the opening day has already set the stage for what promises to be an exciting championship in Morocco.
