Algeria secure historic WAFCON podium finish after stunning arch rivals Morocco on penalties
By Joel Masibo, August 16, 2026Algeria have achieved a landmark result at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, earning their first-ever place on the tournament podium after defeating hosts and eternal rivals Morocco 3-2 in a penalty shootout on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The bronze-medal match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes in Rabat, forcing the two North African rivals to settle the contest from the spot.
Having been eliminated by Malawi in the semi-finals, Algeria responded strongly to finish their campaign with a historic medal. The victory also avenged their earlier group-stage defeat against Morocco.
Morocco made the more promising start and nearly opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Ibtissam Jraidi connected with the ball first time, but her effort crashed against the crossbar.
The home side eventually took the lead nine minutes later. Kautar Azraf displayed excellent skill to get away from her defender before calmly using her left foot to send the ball into the far corner.
Azraf nearly struck again shortly afterwards when she attempted a volley, but the effort took an awkward bounce and eventually went away from the target before Algeria cleared the danger.
Morocco continued to threaten after the interval, with Jraidi presented with another chance in the 63rd minute. However, she could not make the required contact to trouble the Algerian goalkeeper.
Gaining ground
Algeria gradually gained control of the contest and began putting greater pressure on the Moroccan defence.
Captain Marine Dafeur had a good opportunity in the 77th minute after receiving a well-weighted pass, but she could not keep her attempt on target.
Three minutes later, Lina Boussaha came close to an equaliser when her powerful volley flew just above the crossbar.
The Algerians eventually got their reward in the 83rd minute. Melissa Bethi threaded an excellent pass through the Moroccan defence, allowing Boussaha to race into a dangerous position before calmly beating the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
Neither team could produce a decisive goal before the end of regulation time, meaning the bronze-medal contest went to penalties.
Algeria proved more composed during the shootout, winning 3-2. Ines Belloumou converted the crucial final kick to complete a historic victory for her country.
The result gives Algeria their first WAFCON podium finish and a bronze medal, while Morocco must settle for fourth place despite an impressive tournament on home territory.
For Algeria, the achievement marks a significant milestone in the growth of their women’s national team and provides a memorable conclusion to their Morocco 2026 campaign.