WAFCON 2026: Algeria secure quarter-final berth after comfortable win against Kenya

Algeria secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kenya on Tuesday, finishing second in Group A behind hosts Morocco.

The North Africans did the damage in an impressive first-half display, with captain Marine Defeur and forward Lynda Bendris scoring within the opening 23 minutes to seal progression to the knockout stages.

While Kenya improved after the break, Algeria’s disciplined defending ensured they held on to book a place in the last eight.

Algeria seize control early

Algeria made the breakthrough in the 14th minute when skipper Defeur produced a moment of brilliance, curling a long-range free-kick beyond goalkeeper Lilian Awuor to give her side the perfect start.

The North Africans doubled their advantage nine minutes later after Bendris capitalised on a costly mistake at the back. The forward pressed goalkeeper Elizabeth Ochaka inside the penalty area, won possession and fired towards goal, with Awuor unable to stop the ball from crossing the line.

Kenya almost responded immediately when Martha Emedot tested the Algerian defence with a powerful strike from distance, but her effort drifted narrowly wide in the 26th minute.

Algeria continued to threaten before the interval and came close to extending their lead when Morgane Ikene’s header flashed just past the upright.

Kenya unable to find a response

The Harambee Starlets returned from the break with renewed determination and enjoyed more possession as they searched for a route back into the contest.

However, Algeria’s defence remained organised and restricted the East Africans to limited opportunities in the final third.

Kenya’s best opening arrived 10 minutes from time when captain Mwanalima Jereko controlled the ball expertly before sending a low effort just wide of the post.

Despite Kenya’s second-half improvement, Algeria remained composed and comfortably protected their lead until the final whistle.

Algeria march on, Kenya eliminated

The victory guarantees Algeria a place in the quarter-finals after they finished second in Group A, one point behind tournament hosts Morocco.

Having navigated the group stage successfully, the North Africans will now turn their attention to the knockout rounds as they continue their quest for continental glory.

For Kenya, meanwhile, the defeat brings their WAFCON 2026 campaign to an end.