WAFCON - Algeria v Senegal

The opening game of WAFCON is here and this is what you need to know about the game.

(Image credit to cafwomenfootball on Instagram)

The first game of the whole WAFCON tournament, the game of FIFA ranked 74 vs FIFA ranked 79. The game was played at the Rabat Olympic Stadium in Rabat Morocco. The first meeting of these two sides at the CAF women’s cup of nations. Algeria has played in this competition 6 times compared to Senegal only playing in this competition four times prior. Both teams had made it to quarter final stages before so definitely two teams with experience in the competition.

The game starts slow with both teams taking a while to warm up in the game. Senegal having the first effort on goal but throughout the game Algeria seemed to grow in confidence 

The first goal comes from a penalty right at the middle top of the goal  just under the crossbar into the net in the 42nd minute from a penalty scored by Algeria number 21 Marine Dafeur who plays her club football for wsl2 side bristol city women’s. The captain managed to break through the tough game to help her team to get in the lead after a fairly equal first half.

The second half saw lots of subs for both teams both hoping to score goals to get wins for their team.

The Algeria side secured their win with a second goal in the 88th minute by the teams number six, twenty year old Mélissa Bethi.

Final score 2-0 

Both teams had good chances both in attacking and defending. With Algeria having 8 shots five of which on target and Senegal having nine shots with two on target. Bo

This game gives Algeria a good start in a difficult group consisting of the hosts Morocco and Kenya. With only two teams from each group getting into the knockout stages of the tournament group A is competitive and and a place where every point and goal is valuable.

Article written by Megan cavill