Algeria began their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a victory built in both penalty areas.
The Algerians defeated Senegal 2-0 in a match that remained balanced for much of the first half but was ultimately decided by their greater precision. Marine Dafeur opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute before Mélissa Bethi secured the three points in the 88th, assisted by Lina Boussaha.
Senegal finished with slightly more possession and attempted eleven shots, one more than their opponents. Only two, however, were on target. Algeria tested the goalkeeper five times, created four big chances and recorded 1.22 expected goals, compared with Senegal’s 0.70.
Most of the danger came before half-time.
Algeria created three big chances during the opening period. Senegal also found their way into the penalty area and attempted seven shots, five of them from inside the box, but only one forced the Algerian goalkeeper into a save.
Just as the match appeared to be heading into the interval goalless, Dafeur converted the penalty that put Algeria ahead.
Senegal made two substitutions in the 58th minute and introduced further changes during the closing stages, but could not turn their possession into chances. They produced just 0.10 expected goals in the entire second half and managed only one shot on target.
Algeria did not need to attack continuously. They protected their lead, won the physical contests and waited for an opportunity to put the match beyond Senegal.
It arrived in the 88th minute. Boussaha set up Bethi, who scored the second goal against a Senegal side that no longer had an answer.
Algeria did not dominate every aspect of the match, but they controlled the ones that decided it. They created the better chances, were more clinical in front of goal and began the tournament with three points.