Algerian women began their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in style with a deserved 2-0 victory over Senegalese women in an entertaining Group Stage encounter. The North Africans produced a disciplined and clinical display, converting their chances while keeping Senegal’s attack under control.
With an early penalty setting the tone and a late goal sealing the result, Algeria collected three valuable points that could prove crucial in the race to qualify for the knockout stages.
For football fans across Tanzania, the result highlights the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Africa as teams continue raising their standards on the continental stage.
First Half: Dafeur Keeps Her Nerve from the Spot
The match started with plenty of intensity as both sides looked to gain control of possession.
Senegal attempted to press high, with Ndiaye N. receiving an early booking in the 13th minute after a mistimed challenge.
Algeria gradually settled into the game and were rewarded just before halftime.
In the 42nd minute, Marine Dafeur calmly converted a penalty after Algeria earned a spot-kick inside the Senegal penalty area. The composed finish sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and gave Algeria a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the break.
The goal capped an impressive first-half performance in which Algeria showed patience, tactical discipline, and confidence on the ball.
Senegal’s Search for an Equalizer
Trailing after halftime, Senegal responded by introducing fresh legs.
The coach made several substitutions in the 58th minute, bringing on Pene S. for Drame F. and Seck B. for Fall K., hoping to inject more energy into midfield and attack.
Additional substitutions followed as Mbengue S. replaced Ndiaye N., while Diallo S. and Kane M. also entered the match in search of a breakthrough.
Despite enjoying more possession during periods of the second half, Senegal struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities against Algeria’s organized defensive structure.
Bethi Seals Victory Late On
As Senegal pushed more players forward in the closing stages, Algeria found space on the counterattack.
The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute when Melissa Bethi finished brilliantly after receiving a well-weighted assist from Lina Boussaha.
The goal doubled Algeria’s advantage and effectively ended Senegal’s hopes of a comeback.
Algeria comfortably managed the final minutes to secure a convincing 2-0 victory and a perfect start to their tournament.
Key Match Moments
- 13′ – Ndiaye N. booked for Senegal.
- 42′ – Marine Dafeur converts a penalty to give Algeria a 1-0 lead.
- 58′ – Senegal introduces two substitutions in search of an equalizer.
- 85′ – Algeria freshens the squad with Bekhaled S. and Naili N.
- 88′ – Melissa Bethi scores Algeria’s second after an assist from Lina Boussaha.
- Full Time: Algeria Women 2-0 Senegal Women.
What the Result Means
This victory gives Algeria an excellent foundation for the remainder of the group stage. Their disciplined defending, efficient finishing, and tactical organization will provide confidence ahead of tougher fixtures.
Senegal, meanwhile, will need to respond quickly in their next match if they hope to keep their knockout qualification hopes alive.
For Tanzanian football supporters following WAFCON, Algeria’s performance serves as another reminder of the increasing quality of women’s football across Africa. Every group-stage point is vital, and momentum can make a huge difference as the tournament progresses.
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Final Thoughts
Algerian women delivered a professional performance to defeat Senegalese women 2-0 and begin their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations journey on the perfect note. Marine Dafeur’s composed penalty and Melissa Bethi’s late finish highlighted a disciplined team display that balanced solid defending with clinical attacking play.
With confidence now on their side, Algeria will look to build on this impressive start as they continue their pursuit of continental success. At the same time, Senegal must regroup quickly to keep their WAFCON ambitions alive.
