CAN féminine 2026: Algeria Secures Third Place Against Morocco in Thrilling Match

Algeria has secured third place in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after a wildly dramatic match against Morocco. Trailing in the game and then coming back to equalize late on, the Fennecs saw Morocco miss a penalty in the 97th minute before ultimately winning 1-1 (3-2 on penalties).

The match had a truly chaotic scenario. Morocco took the lead in the 37th minute through Kautar Azraf, forcing Algeria to respond to avoid finishing off the podium. The Algerian team finally found the net in the 83rd minute thanks to Lina Boussah, bringing her team level.

Just as both teams seemed headed for a penalty shootout, Morocco was presented with a golden opportunity to regain the lead. After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded to Morocco in the 97th minute. Nouahaila Benzina stepped up to take it, but her shot struck the post, narrowly saving Algeria from defeat in regulation time.

Algeria Wins on Penalties, Achieving Their Best Ever Tournament Performance

The decision ultimately came down to a penalty shootout. After a 1-1 draw, Algeria triumphed over Morocco (3-2 on penalties) to claim third place in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Morocco. This victory marks the best performance in the competition's history for the Fennecs.

Playing at home, Morocco finishes just outside the podium, in fourth place. The Moroccan team had reached the final in the two previous editions, in 2022 and 2024.

The final of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations will take place this Sunday, August 16th, between Malawi and Cameroon. The Scorchers will be playing in their first-ever final during their debut appearance in the competition. In the semi-finals, Malawi convincingly defeated Algeria 3-1.

Facing them, Cameroon will be competing in their fourth Women's Africa Cup of Nations final, after those in 2004, 2014, and 2016. The Indomitable Lionesses will be aiming to secure their first continental title. In their semi-final match, Cameroon defeated Morocco on penalties after another incredibly dramatic game (0-0, 1-3 on penalties).