WAFCON 2026: Algeria, Morocco qualify for quarter-finals

Algeria booked their spot in the WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals with a decisive 2-0 win against Kenya on Monday. The North Africans displayed a clinical performance, scoring twice in the first half to secure their progression. They finished second in Group A with six points, trailing behind unbeaten hosts Morocco.

Captain Marine Dafeur opened the scoring for Algeria in the 14th minute with a spectacular long-range free-kick. Nine minutes later, Lynda Bendris doubled the lead when her persistent pressing forced a mistake from Kenyan goalkeeper Elizabeth Ochaka, with the ball ultimately crossing the line.

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Captain Marine Dafeur handed Algeria the perfect start in the 14th minute with a stunning long-range free-kick that flew beyond Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor.

Kenya attempted to rally before halftime, with Martha Emedot's powerful shot narrowly missing the target. Algeria nearly extended their lead further when Morgane Ikene's header went just wide. Despite dominating possession in the second half, Kenya's efforts were thwarted by Algeria's disciplined defense.

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Although Awuor managed to get a hand to Bendris’s effort, the ball still found the back of the net.

In the group's other match, Morocco drew 0-0 with Senegal, securing their top position in Group A with seven points. The hosts remained undefeated and did not concede a goal throughout the group stage. A key moment saw Morocco awarded a penalty in the 69th minute, but goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye saved Yasmin Mrabet's initial attempt and the retake, delivering a standout performance.

Morocco's coach Jorge Vilda introduced Fatima Tagnaout and Najat Badri in an effort to break the deadlock, but Senegal's defense held firm. The draw was sufficient for Morocco to finish first, and they will face the Group B runners-up in the quarter-finals. Senegal finished third with four points, having put up a strong defensive effort against the hosts.

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Yasmin Mrabet stepped up, only for Ndiaye to make an excellent save. After the spot-kick was ordered to be retaken, the Senegal goalkeeper repeated the feat by denying Mrabet again, producing one of the tournament’s standout moments.