Algeria, Morocco start Women's Africa Cup with wins

Algeria launched its Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Senegal. The opening match, held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, saw Marine Dafeur score in the 42nd minute, with Melissa Bethi sealing the win in the 88th minute. This result places Algeria at the top of Group A with three points.

Host nation Morocco also began their tournament with a dominant performance, defeating Kenya 4-0 at the Moulay Hassan stadium. The Atlas Lionesses established a commanding lead in the first half, with Sakina Ouzraoui Diki opening the scoring in the 19th minute, followed by goals from Maryame Atiq in the 28th and Ibtissam Jraïdi in the 32nd. Jraïdi added her second goal early in the second half, securing the decisive 4-0 scoreline.

With these results, Morocco leads Group A on goal difference, level on points with Algeria. Senegal and Kenya are third and fourth, respectively, without any points. The two North African rivals are set to face each other next Thursday in a crucial match that will significantly impact their chances of advancing to the next stage of the competition.