In a slow-starting match, Senegal was the first to take a shot on goal, before Algeria began to believe in their chances with a powerful shot from Roselène Khezami, which was pushed out for a corner by Khady Faye. On a strong cross from Aissatou Fall, who drove into the box before firing in a ball for Korka Fall in the centre, the Algerian defence managed to get back just in time to block her shot (30'). After a missed attempt by Senegal, Algeria broke on the counter and... won a penalty after a series of fouls from both sides in the Senegalese box.
But it was Fall's foul on Amira Ould Braham that caught the referee's attention, while Morgane Belkhiter also remained down.
The referee was called to the VAR and ultimately confirmed her decision. Captain Marine Dafeur stepped up to the penalty spot and converted with a shot that went in under the crossbar, 1-0.
The second goal in the 88th minute
After the break, Algeria appealed for a penalty for a Senegalese foul in the box, but nothing was given. Fouls kept coming and the match became scrappy, with whistles from both sides. From distance, Lynda Bendris lunged in to try and double the lead, but Faye made another save.
Then it was Marieme Babou's turn to be booked after a high challenge in a duel with Bendris. From a long-range free kick, Dafeur tried to surprise Faye with a header from Khezami, but the Senegalese keeper was alert.
Senegal responded with a cutback from Seynabou Mbengue for Sokhna Pene, whose shot was saved by Chloe N'Gazi in goal. The keeper, who returned to Fleury ahead of the new season, was called into action again with a long-range shot from Mama Diop, which she gathered quickly going to ground. From the right wing, Lina Boussaha delivered a cross that forced Faye into another good save, as several Algerian players had pushed forward to follow up.
And finally, Algeria doubled their lead after a major error in distribution from the Senegalese goalkeeper, who had been flawless until then: Boussaha pounced, recovered the ball at the edge of the box, and set up Melissa Bethi, who beat her defender before firing a powerful shot beyond Faye's reach, 2-0.
That was enough to put Algeria at the top of Group A, pending the match between Morocco and Kenya, which will be played this Sunday at 10 pm French time. Next up for Algeria is Morocco, while Senegal will face Kenya in hopes of finishing among the top two in the group and qualifying for the quarter-finals.