Algeria Stun Hosts Morocco To Win Historic WAFCON Bronze

By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE

ALGERIA have claimed a historic bronze medal at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after defeating the hosts 3-2 on penalties.

The two teams played out a 1-1 draw in regulation time in Rabat. However, Algeria showed greater composure in the shootout to secure their first-ever podium finish at the tournament.

Morocco started strongly and almost opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ibtissam Jraidi struck the crossbar with a first-time effort.

The hosts eventually broke through nine minutes later.

Kautar Azraf beat her marker with a fine piece of individual skill before curling a left-footed effort into the far corner to put Morocco ahead.

Algeria responded quickly and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Lina Boussaha came close, but her powerful volley sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

Morocco looked set to protect their lead as the match entered its closing stages. Yet Algeria refused to surrender.

Seven minutes from time, Melissa Bethi delivered a well-timed through ball to Boussaha, who kept her composure and slotted home to make it 1-1.

Neither side found a winner before the final whistle, sending the contest to penalties.

Algeria then held their nerve from the spot. Ines Belloumou converted the decisive kick as the North Africans sealed a 3-2 shootout victory.

The result gave Algeria their first WAFCON bronze medal and their first-ever podium finish in the competition.

Morocco, meanwhile, ended their home tournament in fourth place after narrowly missing out on a medal.