Algeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Kenya 2-0 on Tuesday evening, securing second position in Group A behind tournament hosts Morocco.
The Algerians delivered a dominant first-half performance, scoring twice within the opening 30 minutes before comfortably managing the game in the second half to seal qualification for the knockout stage.
Captain Marine Dafeur opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a superb long-range free-kick that sailed past Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, giving Algeria an early advantage.
Nine minutes later, Algeria extended their lead through Lynda Bendris, whose relentless pressing paid off. Bendris closed down goalkeeper Elizabeth Ochaka inside the penalty area, forcing a mistake before directing the ball toward goal.
Although Awuor managed to get a touch on the shot, she could not prevent it from crossing the line.
Kenya attempted to respond and came close to reducing the deficit in the 26th minute when Martha Emedot unleashed a powerful strike from distance, but the effort drifted just wide of the post.
Algeria remained dangerous going forward and nearly grabbed a third goal before halftime.
In the 37th minute, Morgane Ikene rose highest to meet a cross, but her header narrowly missed the target.
After the restart, the Harambee Starlets showed greater intent and controlled more possession as they searched for a route back into the match.
However, Algeria’s well-organized defense stood firm, restricting Kenya to few clear scoring opportunities and ensuring a comfortable victory that confirmed their place in the quarter-finals.
