Morocco women hit four against Kenya to ignite home Wafcon campaign before Algeria test

Morocco launched their home 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a resounding 4-0 victory over Kenya, setting up a high-stakes Group A meeting with Algeria later this week.

The hosts, backed by home support, made an emphatic start to the 14th edition of the tournament, which is being staged in Morocco until 16 August, by overwhelming their Kenyan opponents on Sunday evening.

Morocco seized control from the opening minutes and were rewarded when Sakina Ouzraoui broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Maryem Atiq doubled the advantage nine minutes later, before Ibtissam Jraidi put the result virtually beyond doubt with a third goal on 32 minutes.

Jraidi struck again just after half-time, adding her second of the night and Morocco’s fourth in the 47th minute to complete a dominant performance from the tournament hosts.

Algeria open with statement win

Earlier in the day, Algeria – regarded as one of the leading contenders for the continental title – made an impressive start of their own in Group A by defeating Senegal 2-0.

Marin Davoour, formerly of Fleury, put Algeria in front from the penalty spot four minutes before half-time, calmly converting in the 41st minute to give her side the lead.

Melissa Bethys, who previously played for Nantes and now represents Washington Spirit in the United States, sealed the victory in the 86th minute, doubling Algeria’s advantage and ensuring an ideal opening to the tournament for the “Desert Warriors”.

Group A finely poised before North African showdown

Those results leave Morocco and Algeria level at the top of Group A on three points each after the opening round of fixtures, with both sides boasting strong goal differences and confident performances behind them.

The two North African rivals now head into Thursday’s direct meeting knowing that the encounter is likely to be decisive in shaping qualification from the group and determining who finishes in first place.

With both teams having produced eye-catching attacking displays in their opening matches, expectations are rising for a fiercely contested clash, as Morocco aim to build on their commanding start on home soil and Algeria look to reinforce their status as serious title challengers.