Where Dreams Collide: Group A’s Battle for AFCON Momentum

This article will cover all you need to know about Group A in the Women's AFCON draw. 

(Image credits to herfootballhub.com)

Introduction : 

The draw for Group A’s African Cup of Nations women's has been done. The group features Algeria, Kenya, Morocco, and Senegal. The tournament will start on the 17th March, with Group A promising a blend of rivalry and high-stakes football with all 4 teams fighting for their place in the quarter finals. The 2026 AFCON is also the chance for teams to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup that takes place in Brazil next year. 

Algeria: Searching for Stability and a Statement

Over the years, Algeria's women’s football side has struggled, having not been in AFCON since 2019. This draw gives them a chance to reset and to show the world what they're all about. The rivalry between Algeria and Morocco adds a pinch of spice to Group A but their physical style when on the ball could be a problem for the two group stage games between Senegal and Kenya.

Kenya: The Underdogs with a Bite

Kenya returns to AFCON for the first time since they were last in the competition back in 2016. They also enter Group A as the lowest-seeded, ranking 142nd in the FIFA World Rankings. Their young and useful squad could make them a team that could surprise everyone in the competition. But their fixture between Algeria and Senegal will test whether they are ready for the quarter-finals. 

Morocco: The Hosts Under Pressure and Expectation

Morocco, who are the host of this year's Women's AFCON, has become one of Africa's fastest-growing women's football nations since their appearance in the 2024 final where they lost 3-2 to Nigeria. However, during this year's AFCON, they carry the expectation of having their home supporters in attendance and hope to impress the home crowd. With all their games being played at the Moulay El Hassan, the Atlas Lionesses look to use both their familiar home surroundings and the roar of their home crowd to their full advantage. 

Senegal: A Team on the Rise

Over the years, Senegal’s women's team has been known for its improvement, as they have proved in many ways over the years. Last year, they won the final, 1-0 over Morocco. But their pressing intensity on the ball makes it harder for the other teams in Group A, as no one knows what Senegal has up their sleeves.  

Key Storylines to Watch

The North African Derby: Morocco vs Algeria

The Derby between hosts Morocco and Algeria is always an intense fixture. It also gives both teams the chance to showcase what they have got in a fixture that could define Group A.

Senegal’s Push for a Breakthrough

Senegal's hopes are for them to try and win the competition, as they were beaten 1-0 by Morocco in the final last year. Senegal is ready to showcase what they can do on the pitch. 

The Race for World Cup Qualification

In the four groups, whoever finishes in the top two places when the group stages end will automatically qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup, which takes place next summer in Brazil.

Group A outlook 

Even though Morocco is the favourite to win Group A, Senegals rise in African women's football, Algeria's hunger to reach beyond the group stages and Kenya's ambition mean that no one knows what could with the tournament being made of 16 teams for the first time. 

Article written by Elsie Nash © Elsie Nash 2026