Algeria Beat Morocco to Win First-ever WAFCON Bronze

Algeria clinched a historic bronze medal at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over host nation Morocco. The thrilling conclusion followed a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time, marking the Fennecs' first-ever podium finish in the tournament's history.

Morocco initially dominated the match, taking the lead in the 26th minute through Kautar Azraf's skillful strike. The Atlas Lionesses had opportunities to extend their lead, but wasteful finishing, including a missed chance by Ibtissam Jraidi and a disallowed goal by Maryam Atiq, proved costly.

Algeria regrouped in the second half and gradually applied pressure. Their resilience paid off in the 83rd minute when Lina Boussaha equalized after receiving a brilliant through-ball from Melissa Bethi. The drama peaked in stoppage time when Morocco was awarded a penalty, but Nouhaila Benzina's shot hit the post, sending the match to a nerve-shredding shootout.

In the shootout, Algerian goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi emerged as the hero, saving two penalties. Despite Algeria missing two of their own, Ines Belloumou converted her spot-kick, and Jraidi's final attempt hit the crossbar, confirming Algeria's historic bronze medal win. Both North African teams have already secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

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Though Algeria missed two of their own, Ines Belloumou kept her composure to blast home her penalty, before Jraidi struck the crossbar on Morocco’s final attempt to confirm Algeria’s historic bronze.