Algeria have secured the best finish in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history after beating hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties to claim third place following a dramatic 1-1 draw.
The result marks the first time Algeria have finished on the WAFCON podium, with the Greens having never previously progressed beyond the quarter-finals.
Morocco appeared on course to finish third after taking the lead through 18-year-old Kautar Azraf before Lina Boussaha struck late to force the game into a penalty shootout.
Azraf opened the scoring before half-time after being played through by Hanane Ait El Haj. The Barcelona reserve forward showed composure inside the box before cutting inside and finishing to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Morocco thought they had doubled their advantage early in the second half when Maryame Atiq headed home from a free-kick, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
Algeria continued to push for an equaliser and eventually found their breakthrough in the 83rd minute.
Boussaha raced through after receiving a pass from Lyon youngster Sofia Bekhaled and beat goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi with a close-range finish to level the game.
The drama intensified in stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty following another VAR review.
Lana Smits was judged to have caught Sakina Ouzraoui in the face with her arm inside the box, giving Morocco the opportunity to win the match.
Nouhaila Benzina stepped up in the 97th minute but struck the post, sending the match into a shootout.
Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi then became the hero, saving two penalties as the Greens prevailed 3-2.
Morocco’s Rania Bouteibi converted, but Zineb Redouani and Sakina Ouzraoui missed, with N’Gazi saving Ouzraoui’s effort.
The penalty that sealed it all. Algeria erupt in celebration for the bronze. 🇩🇿🤩#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/nHJ6Mnc4EN
— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) August 15, 2026
With Algeria holding the advantage, Ibtissam Jraidi needed to score to keep Morocco alive but struck the crossbar, confirming Algeria’s historic third-place finish.
The defeat will be a bitter ending for Morocco, who were aiming to reach the final for a third consecutive edition after finishing runners-up in 2022 and 2024.
Morocco also had home advantage at this tournament but ultimately finished without a title across the three editions they have hosted.
Algeria’s achievement caps a remarkable campaign and gives the Greens their highest-ever finish at the continental tournament.
All four WAFCON semi-finalists have already secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while Ghana and South Africa remain in contention after advancing to the intercontinental play-offs.
Cameroon will face tournament debutants Malawi in Sunday’s final.
