Algeria turn focus to hosts Morocco after bruising Women’s AFCON 2026 win over Senegal

Algeria coach Farid Benstiti says his side are already braced for a high-stakes meeting with hosts Morocco after overcoming a physically demanding opening test against Senegal in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifying.

Benstiti’s team were put under heavy pressure in the early stages but weathered the storm before gradually taking control and securing a first victory that he believes will be crucial for belief and momentum.

Physically ‘real challenge’ from Senegal

Benstiti underlined the intensity of Senegal’s approach, admitting Algeria needed time to adapt after being unsettled in the opening exchanges.

“When I saw Senegal warming up, I told myself we had to be strong today,” the Algeria coach said after the match. “Senegal put a real physical challenge on us. That’s why we needed some time to get into the game.”

Algeria’s players were “shaken up physically at the start”, in Benstiti’s words, but managed to stay compact and organised before finding their rhythm and imposing themselves on the contest.

The result gives Algeria an early boost in their bid to reach the 2026 edition of the CAN Feminine and sets up a much-anticipated clash with the host nation in their next fixture.

Emotional debut for some Algeria players –

Benstiti also pointed to the emotional weight carried by several members of his squad, with some players making their first appearance in the competition.

“Some players were playing their first match, so they had to get over a certain emotion,” he explained. “Then we pulled ourselves together because we know that we have Morocco waiting for us afterwards.”

The coach suggested that once his side had settled mentally and adjusted to Senegal’s intensity, Algeria were able to show more of their technical qualities and game plan, turning a difficult start into a confident finish.

Morocco showdown on 30 July

Attention now turns to the meeting with Morocco, which Benstiti openly acknowledged had been on Algerian minds even before the final whistle against Senegal.

Algeria face the hosts on 30 July at Stade Moulay El Hassan, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 local time.

The match is expected to be one of the marquee ties of this stage of qualifying, given the regional rivalry and the added pressure of playing the host nation. Benstiti admitted that the occasion brings its own tension, but believes the win over Senegal has arrived at the perfect moment to steady his squad.

This opening success, earned after a demanding physical battle, gives Algeria a platform as they prepare for what their coach describes as the eagerly awaited test against Morocco.