Algeria and Morocco have both advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and, in doing so, have secured their places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The two nations achieved this milestone with contrasting victories on Saturday, as Algeria staged a remarkable comeback against Côte d’Ivoire, while Morocco held off former champions South Africa in a tense encounter.
Algeria’s Historic Comeback
Algeria’s 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire marked their first-ever appearance in the WAFCON semi-finals. Trailing to an early goal, the Fennecs turned the match around with second-half strikes from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham, cancelling out Ines Konan’s opener for the Lady Elephants.
The result ended a long wait for Algeria, who had previously fallen at the quarter-final stage last year, losing to Ghana on penalties after a goalless draw. Coach Farid Benstiti’s side responded emphatically to that disappointment, producing a performance that not only secured a semi-final berth but also guaranteed their first qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup through the continental pathway.
Key Turning Points
Côte d’Ivoire began brightly, having scored eight goals in the group stage, and their attacking intent was rewarded in the 30th minute when Konan finished clinically. However, the momentum shifted dramatically just before half-time when Habibou Ouedraogo was shown a red card, reducing the Lady Elephants to ten players for the remainder of the match.
Algeria were also forced into an early substitution when Morgane Ikene picked up an injury, with Morgane Belkhiter coming on. At the interval, Benstiti introduced Ikram Adjabi and Khiri, a decision that immediately revitalised Algeria’s attack. Khiri levelled in the 58th minute, and four minutes later, Côte d’Ivoire were awarded a penalty, but Rebecca Elloh saw her spot-kick saved. Algeria punished the miss almost instantly, as Marine Dafeur set up Ould Braham, who finished coolly in the 64th minute to complete the comeback.
Despite being a player down, Côte d’Ivoire pushed for an equaliser, but Algeria’s defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi, held firm to secure the historic win.
Morocco Edge Past South Africa
In the other quarter-final, hosts Morocco secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa, with goals from Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanane Aït El Haj proving decisive. The win also confirmed Morocco’s qualification for the 2027 World Cup, adding to their status as one of Africa’s top women’s football nations.
Morocco started strongly, with Sanaa Mssoudy heading narrowly over in the 20th minute, while South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana fired over moments later. The deadlock was broken in the 31st minute when Ouzraoui produced a superb first-time finish for her second goal of the tournament.
Second-Half Drama
Six minutes after the restart, Morocco doubled their lead from the penalty spot, with Aït El Haj calmly converting. South Africa responded in the 67th minute when Kgatlana cut in from the left and unleashed a powerful strike to reduce the deficit, setting up a tense finale.
The former champions pushed hard for an equaliser, but Morocco remained disciplined defensively and protected their lead to the final whistle. The 2-1 victory sends the Atlas Lionesses into Wednesday’s semi-final and guarantees them a place in Brazil 2027.
World Cup Qualification Hopes
For Côte d’Ivoire, despite the defeat, their campaign remains a positive story. Returning to the competition after a lengthy absence, the Lady Elephants have established themselves as an emerging force in African women’s football. Although they missed out on automatic qualification, their hopes of reaching the World Cup are not over.
The four losing quarter-finalists will enter an African play-off, with the two winners advancing to the FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-offs for another chance to reach Brazil 2027. Algeria and Morocco, meanwhile, can now look forward to both the semi-finals and their first World Cup appearances, marking a historic day for North African women’s football.
