Algeria claim first-ever podium finish after penalty shootout win over hosts Morocco

Algeria achieved a historic first-ever podium finish at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after a penalty shootout victory over hosts Morocco. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time, leaving the teams to battle it out in penalties. Morocco took the early lead in the 17th minute when Kautar Azraf capitalized on Ibtissam Jraidi's crossbar miss to slot the ball into the far corner.

Despite that, Morocco couldn't extend their advantage as Algeria fought back with a determined performance in the second half. Algeria's captain, Marine Dafeur, and forward Lina Boussaha both came close to scoring for their team during the match. The pivotal moment came in the 83rd minute when Melissa Bethi delivered a precise through ball to Boussaha, who skillfully curled the ball past the goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1.

The match went to a penalty shootout, with Algeria emerging victorious with a score of 3-2 thanks to Ines Belloumou's crucial penalty. This win secures Algeria a bronze medal and a historic podium finish in the tournament, marking a significant milestone in their football history.