On Sunday, the iconic Rabat Olympic Stadium is set to host an electrifying match on the opening day of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026).
This matchup between Algeria and Senegal marks a major first. While their male counterparts regularly face off, culminating in the AFCON 2019 final won by the Desert Foxes 1-0, the two women’s national teams have never met in the competition’s history.
Writing their own history: The Lionesses want to break the glass ceiling
After two consecutive quarterfinal appearances – 2022 and 2024, the Senegalese have displayed consistency that comes with a responsibility to not only make it past the group stages but also a hunger to even go further at this edition and into the last four.
Building on their steady progress, the West Africans coached by Mame Moussa Cissé since 2019, are now aiming for the semifinals and a historic qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.
“The legitimate ambition today is to try to reach the final and go to the World Cup. Today, we are here to take this next step for Senegalese women’s football.”
The coach is relying on a rejuvenated and ambitious squad, blending experienced players with promising young talent from the junior teams – U17 and U20.
“If I thought otherwise, we would have stayed in Senegal. We have a mix, a very cohesive group. I think we are ready. It is up to us now to put in all the necessary ingredients so that we can take this next step.”
For this first match, the statistics favour a good start. Senegal won their opening game in the last two editions [2-0 against Uganda in 2022 and 4-0 against DR Congo in 2024].
The Senegalese attack will notably rely on its poster girl, Nguenar Ndiaye, the country’s all-time leading goal scorer in the WAFCON with five goals – four of which were scored in the 2024 edition alone.
However, Senegal will have to overcome their jinx against North African nations, against whom the Lionesses have yet to score a single goal in three encounters; two 1-0 defeats against Morocco and a goalless draw against Tunisia.
Algeria, an impenetrable defensive wall
On the Algerian side, coach Farid Benstiti enters the tournament confident in the recent progress of his team, which is participating in a commendable seventh final tournament. Free from all pressure, the Algerian women intend to continue their collective rise.
The Fennecs’ main strength lies in their remarkable defensive solidity. Algeria did not concede a single goal at the WAFCON 2024 keeping four impressive clean sheets and boasting an outstanding 416-minute unbeaten run in the tournament. Their last goal conceded dates back to 2018.
Nevertheless, the Algerians face a significant offensive challenge. They have scored only one goal in their last four AFCON matches; a 1-0 victory against Botswana and are currently on a 381-minute goalless streak, ending their last three outings with goalless draws.
Important to Note
Senegal coach Mame Moussa Cissé on the team’s mindset
“Solidarity. A willingness to work together. A positive environment. It is through unity that we can achieve this. And the group embodies this operational solidarity, where everyone is there for each other.”
Algeria coach Farid Benstiti
“Algeria, compared to Senegal, are currently a team that will certainly pose problems for the other three teams. And I feel that we have what it takes to be spoilers in this group. And that suits me perfectly because we have made a lot of progress.”
The Stat
Algeria has faced West African teams eight times in the past, recording two wins, one draw and five losses.
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
