Eniola Yekini
At the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday,Algeria shined after defeating hosts Morocco 3–2 on penalties following a 1–1 draw in Rabat .
The result gives Algeria their first-ever podium finish at WAFCON, while Morocco end the tournament in fourth place on home soil.
Newshereandthere gathered that Morocco opened the scoring in the 37th minute through Kautar Azraf, but Algeria’s Lina Boussaha equalised late in the 83rd minute to force a penalty shootout.
As there was no extra time, so the match went straight to spot-kicks after full time.
Morocco had a golden chance to win it in stoppage time when Nouhaila Benzina was awarded a penalty, but she struck the post, sending the game to a shootout.
In the shootout, Morocco converted their first two penalties but then missed their next three attempts.
Algeria, finally has a chance aftwd two missed scores with Ines Belloumou making the penalty kick for a 3–2 shootout victory and the bronze medal.
For Algeria, the bronze medal marks a landmark achievement in their WAFCON history, capping off an impressive campaign that also saw them qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
WAFCON finalist tournament is important because it will secure teams competing for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.