Algeria Secure Historic WAFCON Bronze After Penalty Shootout Win Over Morocco

Algeria Secure Historic WAFCON Bronze After Penalty Shootout Win Over Morocco

By Niyi Busari 

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, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The victory earned Algeria their first-ever WAFCON bronze medal, capping an impressive campaign despite their semi-final defeat to Malawi.

The third-place playoff was the second meeting between the two North African rivals at the tournament, with Morocco having edged Algeria in their earlier group-stage encounter.

Morocco started the contest brightly and nearly took 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 excellent individual skill to beat her marker before calmly using her left foot to curl the ball into the far corner and give Morocco a 1-0 lead.

Algeria responded with greater attacking intent and came close to an equaliser three minutes later, but Lina Boussaha’s well-struck volley narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Morocco appeared on course to secure victory, but Algeria refused to give up and found their reward seven minutes from full time.

Melissa Bethi produced a superb through ball for Boussaha, who kept her composure inside the area before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to restore parity at 1-1.

Neither side could find a decisive goal before the final whistle, forcing the contest to be settled by a penalty shootout.

Algeria proved more composed from the spot, winning 3-2, with Ines Belloumou converting the decisive penalty to seal a memorable victory.

The result sees Algeria finish third and claim their first-ever podium finish at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

For Morocco, the defeat ends an impressive campaign on home soil with the hosts finishing fourth after narrowly missing out on a medal.