Atlas Lionesses keen to maintain winning start

Morocco and Algeria are set to clash in a highly anticipated North African derby in Group A of the TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday. Both teams have started the tournament with victories and will be vying for top spot in the group.

The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco have been in formidable form, opening their campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Kenya. This win extended their impressive unbeaten run to 10 matches across all competitions. As runners-up in the last two editions of the tournament, Morocco is eager to claim their first continental title on home soil and will be looking to maintain their momentum.

Algeria also began their campaign with a confidence-boosting 2-0 win against Senegal. While their recent form has been mixed, their defensive solidity was evident, having not conceded any goals before their quarter-final exit in the previous tournament. However, they face a significant challenge against a Moroccan side known for its attacking strength.

Although Algeria has a historical edge, having lost only one of their previous six meetings with Morocco, the hosts secured a 2-0 victory in their most recent friendly encounter in 2020. With a place in the knockout stage and qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup on the line, both teams are expected to fight intensely for a crucial win in this standout fixture of the group stage.