By Paul Deng
JUBA, Feb 19. – Algeria have defeated hosts South Sudan 5-0 in the first leg first round of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifiers.
The home side captained by Amy Lasu Luaya Lasu started on a high at the Juba National Stadium, but failed to find the net.
After 20 minutes Laura Carine Taleb finished off with a fine header after a well taken free kick that the South Sudan defenders failed to clear out of danger.
But before the break Algeria made it 2-0 after Lea Soizic Abdoub finished past goalkeeper Nawal Isaac Majok after 43 minutes.
After recess the visitors were awarded a penalty after 47 minutes, but skipper Guellati Sofia failed to score and instead hit the cross bar. Two minutes later Naima Bouhani Ben increased Algeria’s lead to 3-0.
The South Sudan defenders continued to be reckless in the box and caused a second penalty after 56 minutes. Ghouthia Habiba made no mistake from the spot.
With four minutes to full time Algeria benefited from an own goal by Dorka Gerald Lokeri who nodded in a well taken Quassila Alduache free-kick.
Action continues on Thursday with Tanzania hosting Equatorial Guinea in Dar es Salaam. Three matches involving teams in the CECAFA Zone will take place on Friday with Uganda hosting Ethiopia, while Djibouti battle Togo, and Rwanda take on Egypt in Kigali.
After the first round, the second round of the qualifiers will be played between October 20-28th, 2025. Morocco will host the WAFCON 2026.
