Algeria have made history at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, defeating hosts Morocco 3–2 on penalties to claim the bronze medal after a dramatic 1–1 draw in regulation time.
The third-place playoff in Rabat on Saturday delivered everything expected from a North African derby — intensity, determination, late drama and a tense penalty shootout.
For Algeria, the victory marks their first-ever podium finish at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. After suffering a semi-final defeat to Malawi, the Algerian team responded with a resilient performance to end their campaign with a historic bronze medal.
Morocco Strike First
Morocco started the match with confidence in front of their home supporters and came close to opening the scoring in the 17th minute when Ibtissam Jraidi saw her first-time effort crash against the crossbar.
The hosts eventually got their breakthrough nine minutes later.
Kautar Azraf produced an excellent individual piece of skill to beat her marker before cutting onto her left foot and curling the ball into the far corner of the net.
The goal gave Morocco a 1–0 lead and put the Atlas Lionesses in control heading into the latter stages of the first half.
Azraf almost doubled Morocco’s advantage shortly afterwards, but her volley failed to find the target as Algeria survived further pressure.
Algeria Fight Back
Algeria returned from the break with renewed determination.
The Greens began to create more opportunities and put increasing pressure on the Moroccan defence.
Morocco continued to threaten on the counter, with Jraidi having another opportunity in the 63rd minute, but she was unable to make clean contact with the ball.
Algeria’s Marine Dafeur then came close to equalising in the 77th minute, while Lina Boussaha sent another warning just three minutes later when her powerful volley narrowly missed the target.
Algeria’s persistence finally paid off in the 83rd minute.
Melissa Bethi produced a brilliant through ball for Lina Boussaha, who kept her composure and finished past the Moroccan goalkeeper to bring Algeria level.
Morocco 1–1 Algeria.
The late equaliser completely changed the momentum of the match and sent the bronze-medal contest into a tense final few minutes.
Algeria Hold Their Nerve From the Spot
Neither side could find a winning goal before the final whistle, meaning the bronze medal would be decided by penalties.
The shootout proved just as dramatic as the match itself.
Algeria ultimately prevailed 3–2 on penalties, with Ines Belloumou converting the decisive penalty to send the Algerian players and supporters into celebration.
The victory secured Algeria’s first-ever WAFCON medal and their first appearance on the tournament podium.
A Historic Moment for Algerian Women’s Football
Algeria’s bronze medal represents a significant milestone for women’s football in the country.
The team had never previously finished in the top three at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Their historic run to the semi-finals had already marked their best performance in the competition, and Saturday’s victory took them one step further by securing their first medal.
For Morocco, the result was a disappointing end to a strong tournament on home soil. The hosts had hoped to finish their campaign with a bronze medal in front of their supporters but were ultimately forced to settle for fourth place.
For Algeria, however, the night belonged to history.
Kautar Azraf gave Morocco the lead. Lina Boussaha brought Algeria back into the game. And Ines Belloumou delivered the decisive penalty.
After a 1–1 draw and a nerve-racking shootout, Algeria are the bronze medallists of WAFCON 2026. 🥉🇩🇿
A historic night for the Greens. A heartbreaking finish for the hosts.
