Algeria Takes Crucial Lead in WAFCON 2026 Playoff Against Cameroon
Algeria secured a vital 2-1 victory over rivals Cameroon in the first leg of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 second preliminary round qualifier on Thursday. Playing at the Stade Miloud Hadefi in Oran, Algeria delivered a dominant first-half performance, setting themselves up perfectly ahead of the return fixture.
They controlled much of the game, translating their early pressure into goals before the half-time whistle. Their sharp execution from set-pieces proved to be the difference maker in the opening 45 minutes.
The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute courtesy of Ghoutia Karchouni. The midfielder expertly curled a cunning free-kick from 20 meters out on the left wing, catching Cameroonian goalkeeper Ange Gabrielle Bawou off guard to open the scoring.
Just twelve minutes later, Algeria doubled their advantage with another impressive dead-ball strike. Marine Dafeur, the Bristol City full-back, stepped up for a free-kick from a similar position on the right. Her strike found its way past Bawou, who was rooted to her line, putting the home side up 2-0 in the 35th minute.
Despite the two-goal deficit, the ‘Indomitable Lionesses’ fought back to keep the tie alive in the dying moments of the match. A handball in the Algerian box conceded a penalty, giving Cameroon a lifeline. Star forward Nchout Ajara Njoya stepped up to calmly convert the spot-kick, reducing the deficit to 2-1 just before the final whistle.
The late goal provides Cameroon with a crucial away goal and renewed hope heading into the second leg.
The decisive return fixture is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Stade de la Réunification in Douala. A draw will be enough for Sofia Guellati and her teammates to secure a spot at the WAFCON finals for the second consecutive time. For Cameroon, however, the task is clear: they must overturn the one-goal deficit to avoid missing the final tournament for a second time in a row. The stage is set for a tense and highly-anticipated decider.
