Algeria, Morocco Book WAFCON Semi-final And World Cup Tickets

Algeria, Morocco Book WAFCON Semi-final And World Cup Tickets

By Niyi Busari 

Algeria and hosts Morocco have secured places in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after winning their respective quarter-final ties on Saturday, with both nations also booking tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Algeria Complete Comeback Against Ivory Coast

Algeria produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat 10-woman Ivory Coast 2-1 in Casablanca and reach the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time in their history.

The Elephants made the stronger start and deservedly took the lead in the 29th minute through Inès Konan, who reacted quickest inside the area after Ivory Coast created danger around the Algerian defence.

Their advantage, however, was undermined shortly before half-time when Nsira Ouedraogo was shown a red card in the 42nd minute, leaving Ivory Coast with 10 players for the remainder of the match.

Despite the dismissal, the Elephants held on to their 1-0 lead at the interval, leaving Algeria with a significant task in the second half.

Algeria responded immediately after the restart, with coach Farid Benstiti introducing Inès Khiri at half-time. The substitute made an instant impact, producing an impressive finish in the 59th minute to bring Algeria level.

The momentum shifted decisively in favour of the North Africans moments later.

Ivory Coast were handed an opportunity to reclaim the lead when they were awarded a penalty, but Rebecca Elloh struck the post from the spot after Algerian goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi correctly anticipated the direction of the attempt.

Algeria capitalised on the missed opportunity five minutes later.

Marine Dafeur created the opening for Amira Ould Braham, who fired home from the edge of the area in the 64th minute to complete Algeria’s comeback and put them 2-1 ahead.

Ivory Coast pushed relentlessly for an equaliser in the closing stages, forcing Algeria’s defence into a series of important interventions. N’Gazi also made crucial saves as the Elephants searched for a way back into the contest.

Algeria ultimately held firm to secure a historic victory.

The result sends Algeria into their first-ever WAFCON semi-final and guarantees the team qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Algeria will face the winner of the quarter-final between Malawi and Ghana for a place in the continental final.

Morocco Edge South Africa to Reach Last Four

Hosts Morocco also booked their place in the WAFCON semi-finals after defeating former champions South Africa 2-1 in a tense quarter-final encounter.

The victory sends the Atlas Lionesses into the last four and secures their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Morocco started brightly and came close to opening the scoring in the 20th minute when Sanaa Mssoudy rose to meet a cross, only for her header to drift narrowly over the bar.

South Africa responded almost immediately, with Thembi Kgatlana seeing an effort sail over the crossbar a minute later.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when Sakina Ouzraoui produced a superb first-time finish. The forward reacted quickly inside the area to beat goalkeeper Kaylin Swart and give Morocco the lead.

Morocco extended their advantage six minutes after the restart when Hanane Aït El Haj converted from the penalty spot after South Africa were penalised for a foul inside the area.

Banyana Banyana responded with renewed intensity and pulled a goal back in the 67th minute through Kgatlana. The forward cut in from the left before unleashing a powerful strike to reduce the deficit and set up a tense final period.

South Africa continued to press for an equaliser, but Morocco's defence remained organised under pressure and limited their opponents' opportunities.

The hosts held on for a 2-1 victory to maintain their impressive campaign and advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for Wednesday, 12 August.

Morocco's progression also confirms their place at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, giving the hosts another major milestone in their tournament campaign.