Algeria Edges Morocco on Penalties for WAFCON Bronze

Morocco's Atlas Lionesses finished the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in fourth place after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Algeria. The bronze medal match, held in Rabat, ended 1-1 after regular time, with Algeria ultimately winning the shootout 3-2.

The Moroccan team, coached by Jorge Vilda, aimed to secure the bronze medal after their semi-final exit. They dominated possession, holding 60% of the ball, and took the lead in the 37th minute through a goal by Kauthar Azraf, assisted by Hanane Ait El Haj. This goal reflected their control over the Algerian defense.

Algeria fought back in the second half. Lina Bousaha equalized for the Desert Warriors in the 83rd minute, assisted by Sofia Bakhald, setting up a tense finish. Morocco had a golden opportunity to win the match in the 90+7th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Nehila Benzina failed to convert, sending the chance to secure third place into the dying moments of the game.

With the score tied, the match went to penalties. Algeria held their nerve to win the shootout 3-2, clinching third place and the bronze medal. The Atlas Lionesses, despite a strong performance in terms of possession and control, paid the price for missed opportunities, particularly the late penalty. This marks the end of Morocco's WAFCON 2026 campaign, having reached the semi-finals before losing to Cameroon on penalties and then falling to Algeria in the third-place playoff.