Algeria secured a historic first ever podium finish in 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 leave the competition with their heads held high and a bronze medal to their name after a disappointing loss to Malawi in the semi-finals.
It was the second meeting between the two North African sides after Morocco’s narrow victory in the group stages of the competition.
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The hosts got off to a bright start and came close to opening the scoring in the 17th minute when Ibtissam Jraidi’s first-time effort hit the crossbar.
Morocco broke thru nine minutes later thru Kautar Azraf, who gave the Atlas Lionesses a 1-0 advantage at the break with her first-half goal.
Algeria came out of the break better organized, probing the Moroccan defense and creating a string of opportunities.
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Captain Marine Dafeur was in a promising position in the 77th minute, receiving 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 winner before the final whistle, meaning the bronze medal match would be decided by a penalty shootout.
Algeria held their nerve to win 3-2 after a fiery exchange from the spot, with Ines Belloumou netting 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 played on Sunday between Cameroon and Malawi.
