Dafeur and Bendris send Algeria through after composed win over Kenya

Algeria secured their place in the next stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2-0 victory over Kenya, finishing second in Group A behind Morocco.

Marine Dafeur and Linda Bendris scored in the first half as Farid Benstiti’s side produced a dominant opening 45 minutes and removed any doubt about the outcome before the interval. The result gave Algeria the points they needed to guarantee direct qualification for the final stage of the competition.

The Vertes approached the match determined to respond after their previous defeat. They imposed a high tempo from the opening whistle, moving forward with purpose and keeping Kenya under sustained pressure during the early exchanges.

That strong start was rewarded when Dafeur opened the scoring with an opportunistic finish. Her goal reflected Algeria’s superiority and gave the team a deserved advantage after their energetic beginning.

Algeria continued to control the match after taking the lead. Their passing and movement repeatedly unsettled the Kenyan defence, while Kenya struggled to produce an attacking response capable of changing the direction of the contest.

The Algerians then strengthened their position shortly before half-time. Bendris found the net to make it 2-0, allowing Benstiti’s team to return to the dressing room with a substantial and logical advantage.

The second half was handled with the same discipline, although Algeria no longer needed to take the risks that had characterised their opening period. The Fennecs managed the game calmly, limiting Kenya’s opportunities and ensuring that their opponents could not build sustained pressure.

Kenya lacked the attacking solutions required to reduce the deficit. Algeria, meanwhile, remained tactically organised and defensively focused, leaving little space for their opponents to exploit.

With the score unchanged through the remainder of the match, Algeria completed a controlled 2-0 win. Their performance combined an emphatic first half with a measured display after the break, ensuring that Kenya were unable to mount a comeback.

The victory confirms Algeria’s position in the final standings of Group A. They finish runners-up to Morocco and, as a result, officially secure their place in the competition’s next round.

For the Algerian team, the result also provides a decisive response to their earlier setback. The two-goal success means they advance with confidence after a match in which Dafeur and Bendris settled the contest before half-time, while the team’s defensive discipline preserved the clean sheet in the second period.