The wait is finally over. After months of anticipation, the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) officially burst into life.
Two major victories immediately set the tone for a promising and a competitive editions in the tournament’s history.
Hosts Morocco thrilled their home supporters with a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Kenya, while Algeria claimed an impressive 2-0 victory over Senegal to ensure Group A opened with two convincing winners.
With continental supremacy and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil on the line, Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament has officially begun.
After two emphatic opening victories from Morocco and Algeria, WAFCON 2026 is already delivering excitement, intensity and a glimpse of the battles still to come.
Up next is Matchday Three, when defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons begin their quest for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title against tournament debutants Malawi.
Morocco Crush Kenya with Four-Goal Masterclass
Playing before an expectant home crowd at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco wasted little time showing they intend to go one better after finishing runners-up in the last two editions.
The Atlas Lionesses completely overwhelmed Kenya, running out emphatic 4-0 winners thanks to a brace from Ibtissam Jraidi, while Sakina Ouzraoui and Meriem Atiq also found the net.
The hosts dominated possession from the opening whistle, pressing aggressively and forcing Kenya onto the back foot.
Their breakthrough finally arrived in the 20th minute when Ouzraoui found space before drilling a low effort beyond the goalkeeper.
Eight minutes later, Atiq doubled the lead, rising highest from a corner to power home a header.
Kenya’s resistance continued to crumble before halftime as Jraidi added Morocco’s third with another well-taken header.
If there were hopes of a Kenyan comeback after the break, they disappeared almost instantly.
Just two minutes into the second half, Jraidi completed her brace to make it 4-0 and effectively end the contest.
With victory secured, Morocco coach Jorge Vilda rotated his squad, allowing key players some rest while maintaining complete control until the final whistle.
The result sends Morocco to the top of Group A on goal difference and immediately strengthens their ambition of lifting their first-ever WAFCON title on home soil.
Morocco Coach Delighted with Perfect Start
After watching his side dominate from start to finish, Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda praised his team’s preparation.
“It’s a good start. When you start a tournament like this, it means you’ve had good preparation.”
“I’m satisfied with what I saw from the team today.”
Kenya coach Beldine Odemba admitted her side must improve quickly ahead of their remaining group fixtures.
“We didn’t have the desired control in the transition phases.”
“We have two matches left against Senegal and Algeria; it’s up to us to correct our mistakes.”
Algeria Fight Back to Stun Senegal Opener
Earlier in the day, Algeria had already laid down their own marker by defeating Senegal 2-0 in the opening Group A encounter.
Although Senegal enjoyed more possession for large spells of the match, Algeria proved far more clinical whenever they ventured forward.
The North Africans continually threatened the Senegalese goal, forcing five saves while restricting their opponents to only two shots on target.
Algeria eventually made their superiority count.
A first-half penalty from Marine Dafeur gave them the lead before Mélissa Bethi sealed victory late in the contest after being set up by Lina Boussaha.
The disciplined display handed Algeria three valuable points and positioned them alongside Morocco as the early pace-setters in Group A.
Their victory now sets up a mouth-watering showdown against the tournament hosts later this week.
Senegal look to bounce back
Despite the disappointing defeat, Senegal coach Mame Moussa Cissé remains focused on responding positively.
“We gave our opponents too much space. We lost this match because of the individual errors we made.”
“We will analyse what worked, take the necessary lessons from this performance, and shift our focus to the next match.”
“We now have to regroup and make sure we beat Kenya.”
Group A standings after opening matches
Following the opening round of fixtures:
- Morocco – 3 points (+4)
- Algeria – 3 points (+2)
- Senegal – 0 points (-2)
- Kenya – 0 points (-4)
Morocco’s superior goal difference sees them occupy top spot ahead of Algeria.
Super Falcons’ turn arrives on Matchday Three
While Group A has already produced fireworks, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are preparing to begin their title defence.
The reigning African champions open their campaign against Malawi on July 28 in Group C before facing Zambia and Egypt in what many consider one of the toughest groups in the competition.
Led by head coach Justine Madugu, Nigeria are chasing history once again.
The Super Falcons remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team with 10 WAFCON titles and are now targeting an unprecedented 11th continental crown.
Beyond defending their title, Nigeria also have another major objective.
The expanded 16-team tournament doubles as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists qualifying automatically while two losing quarter-finalists will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs.
After two emphatic opening victories from Morocco and Algeria, WAFCON 2026 has already delivered excitement, intensity and a glimpse of the battles still to come.
Now, all eyes turn to the Super Falcons on Tuesday as Africa’s queens prepare to begin another quest for continental glory.
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