Melissa Bethi announced herself on the biggest stage with a performance to remember, scoring on her Women’s Africa Cup of Nations debut as Algeria opened their WAFCON 2026 campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over Senegal.
The 20-year-old midfielder delivered a statement performance at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, capping an influential display with an 88th-minute goal to seal victory and claim the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match award.
Bethi’s breakthrough came after Marine Dafeur had given Algeria the lead from the penalty spot shortly before half-time. But as Senegal pushed for a way back into the contest, Bethi emerged as the difference-maker.
The midfielder showed composure beyond her years throughout the match, dictating play and helping Algeria maintain control before producing the decisive moment late on.
Her goal was the perfect finish to a memorable first appearance at the continental finals and underlined why her stock has risen rapidly in recent months.
Born in France but representing Algeria, Bethi has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents in the Fennecs setup. Her impressive form at French club Nantes earned her a four-year move to National Women’s Soccer League side Washington Spirit, and she wasted no time showing exactly why she is attracting attention.
Against a Senegal side with quarter-final appearances in the previous two editions, Bethi was fearless.
Algeria’s victory not only gives them three valuable points and an early lead in Group A but also sends an ominous warning to the rest of the tournament: the Fennecs have arrived with ambition.
For Bethi, it was more than just a winning debut.
It was a coming-of-age performance.
And with a goal, a Woman of the Match award and a place among the early stars of WAFCON 2026, the young midfielder has made sure her name will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Algeria now face hosts Morocco in a mouth-watering North African derby on July 30, while Senegal will look to revive their campaign against Kenya.