Algeria made history at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by securing the bronze medal, defeating Morocco 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the bronze medal match.
Morocco seemed destined for victory when Kautar Azraf opened the scoring, giving the Atlas Lionesses a 1-0 lead that they held into halftime. The hosts believed they had added a second goal after the break, but Maryam Atiq’s effort was disallowed.
Algeria continued to push for a way back into the contest and eventually got their reward seven minutes from time. Lina Boussaha struck in the 83rd minute to make it 1-1 and send the match to a shootout.
Neither side managed another goal in the remaining minutes, leaving the bronze medal to be decided from the penalty spot. Algeria held their composure to win the shootout 3-2, sealing third place and leaving Morocco in fourth.
The result represents a landmark achievement for Farid Benstiti’s team. Algeria reached the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in the competition’s history, a run that also ensured their inaugural qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, set for Brazil in 2027.
