Algeria and hosts Morocco booked their places in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after contrasting victories on Saturday, with both nations also securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
While Algeria produced a stunning comeback against Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco held off former champions South Africa to keep their title ambitions alive on home soil.
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Algeria overturn Côte d’Ivoire’s deficit to make history
Algeria reached the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time in their history after second-half goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham overturned Ines Konan’s opener for Côte d’Ivoire.
The victory ended Algeria’s long wait for a place among Africa’s final four and, more significantly, secured their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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For Farid Benstiti’s side, it was also the perfect response to last year’s quarter-final disappointment, when Ghana eliminated Algeria on penalties following a goalless draw.
Côte d’Ivoire started brightly, and their attacking threat was evident after scoring eight goals in the group stage. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 30th minute when Konan finished confidently to put the Lady Elephants ahead.
The game changed dramatically before half-time, however, when Habibou Ouedraogo was sent off, leaving Côte d’Ivoire with 10 players for the remainder of the contest.
Algeria had earlier been forced into a change of their own after Morgane Ikene picked up an injury, with Morgane Belkhiter coming on.
Benstiti reacted at the interval by introducing Ikram Adjabi and Khiri, and the changes immediately transformed Algeria’s attacking threat.
Khiri equalised in the 58th minute before Côte d’Ivoire were handed a golden opportunity to regain the lead when they won a penalty four minutes later.
Rebecca Elloh, however, failed to convert from the spot, and Algeria punished the miss almost immediately, as two minutes later, Marine Dafeur picked out Ould Braham, who kept her composure to finish and complete the comeback in the 64th minute.
Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage, Côte d’Ivoire continued to push for an equaliser. Still, Algeria’s defensive organisation held firm, with goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi playing a key role in managing the late pressure as the Fennecs protected their lead to the final whistle.
The historic victory means Algeria have reached their first WAFCON semi-final and qualified for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup through the continental pathway.
Côte d’Ivoire’s campaign, meanwhile, should not be overshadowed by the defeat. Their return to the competition after a lengthy absence has established the Lady Elephants as an emerging force in African women’s football.
Although they missed out on the automatic World Cup places, their qualification hopes remain alive. The four losing quarter-finalists will enter an African play-off, with the two winners advancing to the FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-offs for another opportunity to reach Brazil 2027.
Morocco survive South Africa test
Hosts Morocco also secured their place in the semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa, as the Atlas Lionesses’ win also guaranteed their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Morocco started strongly and came close in the 20th minute when Sanaa Mssoudy headed narrowly over, and South Africa responded immediately, with Thembi Kgatlana firing over a minute later.
The hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when Sakina Ouzraoui produced a superb first-time finish for her second goal of the tournament.
Morocco doubled their advantage six minutes after the restart after South Africa conceded a penalty, with Hanane Aït El Haj calmly converting from the spot.
Banyana Banyana responded through Kgatlana in the 67th minute. The forward cut in from the left before unleashing a powerful strike to reduce the deficit and give South Africa hope.
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The former champions pushed hard for an equaliser, but Morocco remained disciplined defensively and successfully protected their lead.
The 2-1 victory sends the hosts into Wednesday’s semi-final and guarantees Morocco a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
For Algeria and Morocco, Saturday delivered more than passage to the final four; it delivered history, and a ticket to Brazil.
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