Morocco Edge Algeria as Senegal Beat Kenya
Hosts Morocco strengthened their grip on Group A with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over North African rivals Algeria, while Senegal claimed a vital 1-0 win over Kenya on Matchday 2 of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.
Sanaa Mssoudy’s 84th-minute strike proved decisive in a tense Maghreb derby at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The Atlas Lionesses, who opened their campaign with a commanding 4-0 thrashing of Kenya, now sit top of the group with a maximum six points from two matches and a perfect defensive record.
Earlier in the day at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Seynabou Mbengue’s first-half goal secured three crucial points for Senegal. The Lionesses of Teranga recovered from their opening 2-0 defeat to Algeria, keeping their quarter-final hopes firmly in their own hands ahead of a decisive final group fixture against the hosts.
Senegal made a positive start and took the lead in the 35th minute. Bineta Seck found Mbengue in space, and the France-based forward unleashed a powerful strike that left Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor with no chance. Kenya responded with spirit. Captain Mwanalima Jereko went close from distance before the break, and the Starlets created late chances, including one that struck the post, but Senegal’s defence held firm. Kenya finished with more shots on target but could not find an equaliser.
The result leaves Senegal on three points. Kenya remain bottom with zero points and two losses, their knockout ambitions now hanging by a thread heading into the final group matches.
The evening clash between Morocco and Algeria lived up to its billing as one of the group’s key fixtures. Both sides entered with three points after strong opening wins and produced a tightly contested, low-scoring affair typical of Maghreb derbies. Algeria defended with discipline and organisation for long periods, frustrating the home crowd. The breakthrough finally arrived six minutes from time when Mssoudy found the net, sparking celebrations among the Atlas Lionesses and their supporters. Morocco saw out the remaining minutes to claim the win.
The result leaves Algeria on three points alongside Senegal. Morocco’s perfect start positions them strongly for qualification, with the top two teams from each of the four groups advancing to the quarter-finals.
After Matchday 2, Morocco lead Group A with two wins, five goals scored and none conceded for six points. Senegal and Algeria both have three points, while Kenya sit on zero after two defeats.
The final Group A matches take place on Monday, 3 August: Senegal face Morocco, while Kenya meet Algeria. A positive result for the hosts against Senegal would virtually guarantee top spot, while Senegal and Algeria will battle for the second qualification place.
The 2026 edition, the first expanded to 16 teams, is being staged across venues in Rabat and Casablanca from 26 July to 16 August. Beyond continental glory, the four semi-finalists will secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Hosts Morocco have made an early statement of intent on home soil.
