Algeria seat top of their group with a commanding 2-0 victory over Senegal, capitalising on a late defensive mistake to wrap up all three points in an entertaining encounter.
The Algerians broke the deadlock just before the interval when Defeur calmly converted a penalty in the 42nd minute after Senegal were adjudged to have committed a foul inside the box. The goal gave Algeria a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the halftime break following an impressive first-half display.
The second half produced an end-to-end contest, with both sides creating attacking opportunities. Algeria pushed for a second goal to put the result beyond doubt, while Senegal searched relentlessly for an equaliser to revive their hopes.
As the match entered its closing stages, Senegal’s resistance was finally broken. A costly defensive blunder gifted Algeria possession in a dangerous area, allowing Melissa Bethi to punish the mistake with a composed finish in the 88th minute to double her side’s advantage.
The late strike extinguished any hopes of a Senegal comeback and ensured Algeria claimed maximum points in emphatic fashion.
The victory sees Algeria finish at the summit of their group, capping off an impressive game with another disciplined and clinical performance as they prepare for their next game.
