A blunder by Senegal goalkeeper, Khady Faye, gifted Melissa Bethi a goal which clinched a 2-0 victory for Algeria on Sunday in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opener.
Bethi struck on 88 minutes, and Algeria also scored late in the opening half in Rabat with captain Marine Dafeur converting a 42nd-minute penalty.
Morocco, hosts and runners-up in the last two editions, face Kenya later on Sunday in the other Group A match.
Senegal created early pressure without seriously threatening to score and Algeria gradually took control with some neat passing to achieve a deserved victory.
Algeria began the match as slight favourites as they are ranked one place above Senegal in Africa and five places higher in the world.
The penalty awarded to Algeria late in the opening half by the South African referee was debatable as there was minimal contact between Senegal captain Korka Fall and Amira
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