Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026: Senegal and Algeria kick off the tournament with high ambitions

Senegal and Algeria kick off the Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 this Sunday in what promises to be a particularly hard-fought match. Fueled by high ambitions and boasting talented squads, both the Lionesses of Teranga and the Greens intend to launch their campaigns with a victory to gain a significant advantage in the qualification process and demonstrate their strength in this 14th edition of the continental tournament.

The 14th edition of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations kicks off with a particularly promising match between Senegal and Algeria. Two teams on the rise, driven by high ambitions, face off in a first encounter that is already crucial in the race for qualification. The Lionesses of Teranga want to start their campaign with a victory, while the Greens hope to confirm their growing strength on the continental stage.

Senegal arrives in Morocco with the intention of taking the next step. Quarter-finalists in the previous edition, where they were eliminated by South Africa, the Senegalese team now harbors the ambition to do better and reach the semi-finals of the competition.

To achieve this goal, Mame Moussa Cissé's team will be able to rely on several experienced players capable of turning a match around. Striker Mama Diop, a true offensive leader, will be one of Senegal's main assets. Alongside her, Nguenar Ndiaye and Ndeye Awa Casset will bring their talent, speed, and ability to create danger in the final third. With a squad blending experience and youth, Senegal wants to send a strong message right from the start of the competition.

But the mission will be far from easy against a confident Algerian side. The Greens have completed their preparations perfectly with a convincing 1-0 victory against Zambia and arrive in Morocco with the firm intention of continuing their progress.

At their helm, Farid Benstiti embodies one of the greatest figures in women's football. Having managed Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain, the Franco-Algerian coach has profoundly transformed the Algerian national team. He has instilled a rigorous defensive structure, strong tactical discipline, and a controlled collective style of play, while successfully managing a generational transition that now allows Algeria to compete with the best African nations.

The results speak for themselves. Under his leadership, the Algerian women reached the quarter-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history before authoritatively securing their qualification for this 2026 edition. Now, the stated objective is clear: to reach the semi-finals.

In midfield, the Greens will rely heavily on Inès Boutaleb. Trained in France before playing for several European clubs, the midfielder has become the true linchpin of her team. Thanks to her game intelligence, passing ability, and capacity to dictate the tempo of matches, she represents one of the main threats to the Senegalese defense. Her international experience makes her the technical benchmark for the Algerian squad.

This opening match pits two teams against each other who share the same ambitions: to get off to a perfect start and lay the foundations for a historic run. Senegal dreams of surpassing its quarter-final appearance in the previous edition, while Algeria intends to confirm its rise among the continent's best teams.

Beyond the three points, this opening duel could already set the tone for this Women's AFCON Morocco 2026. Between the Lionesses determined to roar from the start and the Greens more ambitious than ever, all the ingredients are there for an intense clash that promises to launch the competition in the best possible way.