Algeria defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw on Saturday, August 15, 2026, to claim the bronze medal at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat.

The result secured Algeria’s first-ever podium finish in the history of the competition.

Morocco Take Early Lead

Morocco opened the scoring in the 37th minute at the Olympic Stadium when Kautar Azraf found the net to put the hosts ahead.

Algeria responded after the break and eventually drew level in the 83rd minute through Lina Boussaha, who finished a through-ball from Melissa Bethi.

Neither side could find a winner before the final whistle, sending the contest to a penalty shootout.

Algeria Win Shootout

Morocco were awarded a penalty during stoppage time following a VAR review, but Nouhaila Benzina struck the post.

With no extra time played, the match went directly to penalties. Algeria converted three attempts while Morocco scored twice, with Ines Belloumou netting the decisive kick.

Algerian goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi also produced important saves to help her side secure the bronze medal.

Historic Finish for Algeria

The victory represents Algeria’s best-ever performance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their first appearance on the tournament podium.

Morocco finished fourth after also losing their semi-final against Cameroon on penalties. The hosts had previously reached the WAFCON final in 2022 and 2024.

World Cup Qualification Secured

Both Algeria and Morocco had already secured places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil by reaching the WAFCON semi-finals.

Cameroon and Malawi, who are scheduled to contest the final, have also secured qualification. South Africa and Ghana remain in contention for additional qualification through the intercontinental play-offs.

The Algeria vs Morocco WAFCON 2026 clash therefore ended with Algeria securing a historic WAFCON bronze medal, while Morocco settled for fourth place on home soil.