Algeria secured a historic podium finish at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time in Rabat.
The victory marks Algeria’s first-ever bronze medal at the tournament. Having suffered a disappointing defeat to Malawi in the semi-finals, the Algerians bounced back to end their campaign on a high.
The bronze-medal match was the second meeting between the two North African sides at the tournament, following Morocco’s narrow victory over Algeria in the group stage.
Morocco started strongly and came close to taking the lead in the 17th minute when Ibtissam Jraidi’s first-time effort struck the crossbar.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock nine minutes later. Kautar Azraf displayed impressive skill to evade her marker before cutting onto her left foot and curling the ball into the far corner to give Morocco a 1-0 lead.
Azraf almost doubled the advantage shortly afterwards with a volley, but the effort bounced awkwardly and lost its direction before being cleared.
Morocco continued to threaten, with Jraidi presented with another opportunity in the 63rd minute after being played through on goal. However, she failed to make clean contact with her effort.
Algeria returned from the break with greater purpose, becoming more organised and increasingly dangerous in attack.
In the 77th minute, a perfectly weighted pass found Algeria captain Marine Dafeur in a promising position, but she could not direct her effort on target.
Three minutes later, Lina Boussaha came close to an equaliser with a powerful volley that narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Algeria’s persistence finally paid off in the 83rd minute. Melissa Bethi produced an excellent through ball for Boussaha, who kept her composure to slot the ball past the goalkeeper and restore parity.
With neither side able to find a winner before the final whistle, the match was decided by a penalty shootout.
Algeria held their nerve from the spot to win 3-2, with Ines Belloumou converting the decisive penalty to complete a memorable victory.
The result secured Algeria their first WAFCON bronze medal and historic podium finish, while Morocco were forced to settle for fourth place after an impressive campaign on home soil.
