Algeria have secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 victory over Kenya on Monday, finishing second in Group A behind hosts Morocco.
The North Africans took control with two goals in the opening half and then defended effectively after the interval to complete a comfortable win and move into the last eight.
Captain Marine Defeur gave Algeria the lead in the 14th minute with an outstanding free-kick. From long range, she produced a curling effort that beat Kenya goalkeeper Lilian Awuor and gave her side an early advantage.
Algeria doubled their lead nine minutes later after forward Lynda Bendris applied pressure inside the Kenya penalty area. Bendris won possession from goalkeeper Elizabeth Ochaka before sending an effort towards goal. Awuor was unable to stop the ball from crossing the line, leaving Algeria firmly in control.
Kenya responded positively to falling two goals behind and came close to pulling one back in the 26th minute. Martha Emedot struck a powerful attempt from distance, but her effort drifted narrowly wide of the post.
The result was ultimately decided by Algeria’s strong first-half performance and their disciplined work without the ball in the second half. Kenya continued to compete after the break but could not create the opportunity needed to reopen the match.
Algeria’s victory confirms their progress from Group A. They finish the group stage in second place, one point behind Morocco, who advance as group winners.
For Kenya, the defeat brings their 2026 WAFCON campaign to an end.
