Algeria produced a spirited performance to claim a vital 2–1 victory over Cameroon in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying clash on Thursday in Bir El Djir.
The encounter, which lived up to its billing as the day’s headline fixture, saw the Algerian side deliver a first-half masterclass powered by creativity, intensity, and precision.
Inter Milan midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni opened the scoring for the hosts in the 23rd minute with a brilliant angled strike that left the Cameroonian goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The breakthrough lifted the Greens’ confidence as they dominated possession and dictated the pace of the game.
Cameroon’s task became even harder just ten minutes later when defender Claudia Dabda was sent off in the 34th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. From the ensuing free-kick, Algeria doubled their lead through Marine Dafeur, who delivered a spectacular curling effort into the top corner—sending the home fans into wild celebration.
Despite being reduced to ten players, Cameroon showed resilience and experience in the second half. Forward Ajara Nchout Njoya, who plies her trade with Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, pulled one back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time (90+4’). However, her late goal proved to be merely a consolation as Algeria held firm to secure all three points.
The result highlights Algeria’s steady resurgence under their emerging generation of talent and gives them a strong advantage heading into the return leg.
For Cameroon, the defeat and Dabda’s suspension will pose a major challenge as they look to overturn the deficit in the reverse fixture.