Algeria Clinch WAFCON Bronze After Penalty Shootout Win Over Morocco

Algeria booked a first ever podium finish in the history of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after beating hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time in Rabat.

Algeria exit the competition with their heads held high and a bronze medal to their name after a disappointing loss to Malawi in the semi-finals.

This was the second meeting between the two North African sides after Morocco’s narrow win in the group stages of the competition.

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The hosts started brightly and went close to opening the scoring in the 17th minute when Ibtissam Jraidi’s first-time effort hit the crossbar.

Morocco found the breakthrough nine minutes later thru Kautar Azraf, whose first-half goal gave the Atlas Lionesses a 1-0 advantage at the break.

Algeria came back from the break better organized, probing the Moroccan defense and creating a string of opportunities.

Captain Marine Dafeur found herself in a promising position in the 77th minute as she received a perfectly weighted ball but couldn’t guide her effort goalwards.

Three minutes later, a well-struck volley from Lina Boussaha narrowly sailed over the crossbar.

The pressure finally told in the 83rd minute when a brilliant thru ball from Melissa Bethi found Boussaha, who showed composure to tuck the ball past the goalkeeper and level the contest at 1-1.

But neither side could find a decisive goal before the final whistle, meaning the bronze medal match would be settled by a penalty shootout.

After a fiery exchange from the spot, Algeria held their nerve to win 3-2. Ines Belloumou scored the decisive penalty to secure a memorable victory.

Algeria win bronze and a place on the podium at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, with hosts Morocco fourth after a good run on home soil.

The final will be held on Sunday between Cameroon and Malawi.