Marine Dafeur broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute before Melissa Bethi sealed the result with a late strike in the 88th minute at the Olympic Stadium.
Dafeur Penalty Sets the Tone
The Group A fixture began cautiously, with both sides probing without creating clear-cut chances in the early stages. Senegal received an early yellow card when N. Ndiaye was booked in the 13th minute.
Algeria grew into the contest and were awarded a penalty just before half-time. Dafeur stepped up and converted confidently to give the Fennecs a 1-0 lead at the break.
Bethi Seals the Points
Senegal pushed forward after the interval in search of an equaliser, but Algeria remained organised at the back. The North African side managed the game effectively and struck on the counter late on.
Bethi finished neatly in the 88th minute, assisted by Lina Boussaha, to make it 2-0 and secure all three points for Algeria.
Group A Implications
The result gives Algeria an early advantage in a competitive Group A that also includes hosts Morocco and Kenya. Senegal will look to bounce back quickly when they face Kenya later in the group stage.
Algeria’s disciplined performance and clinical finishing provided the perfect start to their campaign as they aim to progress deep into the expanded 16-team tournament.
