Algeria have written a new chapter in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties to secure a historic third-place finish.
The Greens reached the podium for the first time after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Morocco in regulation time, followed by a tense penalty shootout in which goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi emerged as the decisive figure.
The result represents Algeria’s best-ever performance at the continental tournament. Before this campaign, the team had never advanced beyond the quarter-finals.
Morocco looked set to claim third place after taking the lead through 18-year-old Kautar Azraf before Algeria produced a late comeback.
Azraf opened the scoring before the break after being played through by Hanane Ait El Haj. The young forward kept her composure inside the penalty area before cutting inside and finishing to put the hosts ahead.
Morocco appeared to have extended their advantage early in the second half when Maryame Atiq headed the ball into the net from a free-kick. However, a VAR review ruled out the goal after a foul was identified in the build-up.
Algeria refused to give up and were eventually rewarded in the 83rd minute when Lina Boussaha found the equaliser.
Boussaha raced through after receiving a pass from Lyon youngster Sofia Bekhaled and beat goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi from close range to bring Algeria level.
Morocco miss late chance
The hosts were handed a golden opportunity to settle the contest in stoppage time after another VAR intervention resulted in a penalty.
Lana Smits was adjudged to have caught Sakina Ouzraoui in the face with her arm inside the penalty area, giving Morocco a chance to reclaim the lead.
Nouhaila Benzina stepped up to take the penalty in the 97th minute but struck the post, sending the match into a shootout.
The momentum then swung firmly in Algeria’s favour.
N’Gazi saved two Moroccan penalties as Algeria prevailed 3-2. Rania Bouteibi converted for Morocco, while Zineb Redouani and Ouzraoui failed to beat the Algerian goalkeeper.
With Algeria holding the advantage, Ibtissam Jraidi needed to score to keep Morocco in the contest, but her effort struck the crossbar, confirming the Greens’ historic achievement.
Bitter end for Morocco
The defeat marked a disappointing conclusion to Morocco’s campaign, particularly after the hosts had been seeking to reach the final for a third consecutive edition.
Morocco finished runners-up in both 2022 and 2024 and had hoped home advantage would finally help them secure the continental title.
Instead, Algeria’s late fightback and penalty-shootout victory ensured the Greens walked away with the bronze medal and their first-ever WAFCON podium finish.
The result caps a remarkable campaign for Algeria and establishes the team as one of the continent’s emerging forces in women’s football.
The four semi-finalists have already secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while Ghana and South Africa remain in contention through the intercontinental play-offs.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s final, where Cameroon will face tournament debutants Malawi for the WAFCON title.
