Algeria delivers at the decisive moment

Algeria secured the result it needed on the final matchday of Group A by defeating Kenya 2-0 and confirming its place in the WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals.

With this result, Algeria finished second in Group A, just one point behind host nation Morocco, while the Harambee Starlets ended their participation in the tournament.

A free kick opens the way

Algeria began the match with the intensity of a team fully aware that a victory would guarantee its place in the next round.

The pressure paid off in the 14th minute, when captain Marine Dafeur struck a spectacular long-range free kick past goalkeeper Lilian Awuor to make it 1-0.

Bendris capitalized on Algeria’s pressure

The lead was doubled just nine minutes later.

The forward quickly closed down goalkeeper Elizabeth Ochaka and forced an error in the buildup. Bendris recovered the ball and fired into the net to make it 2-0 in the 23rd minute.

Kenya tried to respond and came close to pulling one back three minutes later through a long-range effort from Martha Emedot, but the ball went narrowly wide.

Algeria comes close to a third goal

In the 37th minute, Morgane Ikene rose to meet a cross with a header, but her effort passed just inches wide of the post.

Algeria went into halftime with a comfortable two-goal lead and one foot in the quarter-finals.

The Harambee Starlets returned to the pitch with a more attacking approach and enjoyed more possession during several spells of the second half, but Algeria’s disciplined defense closed down the spaces and prevented Beldine Odemba’s side from creating clear chances in front of goal.

Algeria confirms its qualification

Despite Kenya’s improvement in the second half, Algeria managed its advantage without facing major trouble and secured the 2-0 victory.

The win confirmed its qualification for the quarter-finals as Group A runner-up, just one point behind Morocco.

Algeria continues its WAFCON 2026 campaign, while Kenya bows out after gaining valuable experience against some of the continent’s most competitive teams.