Morocco moved a step closer to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after Sanaa Mssoudy scored late to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Algeria on Matchday Two of Group A at Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium on Thursday.
The derby began in a tense atmosphere after the Algerian national anthem was loudly booed by sections of the home crowd before kick-off.
Once play started, Morocco controlled possession and spent long periods in the attacking half. However, Algeria’s disciplined defensive setup frustrated the hosts, limiting them to efforts that failed to seriously test goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi during the opening half.
Algeria produced the first shot on target in the 33rd minute when Morgane Ikene drove forward from the right, but Khadija Errmichi comfortably gathered her long-range effort. Tempers later flared as Belloumou and Hanane Ait El Haj both entered the referee’s notebook following a series of physical challenges before the interval.
Algeria showed greater attacking intent after the restart and almost took the lead when Lynda Bendris forced Errmichi into an important save.
Morocco responded by increasing the pressure. They appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after a corner before Ghizlane Chebbak, introduced in the 70th minute, inspired a stronger attacking spell. Mssoudy thought she had opened the scoring in the 76th minute, but N’Gazi produced an excellent save from her close-range header.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 86th minute. Following a cleared Chebbak corner, Elodie Nakkach lifted a precise pass into the penalty area. Mssoudy controlled the ball, exploited a gap in Algeria’s defence and calmly fired a low finish beyond N’Gazi to settle the contest.
Morocco finished with 11 shots, including three on target, while Algeria managed three attempts and tested Errmichi twice.
The victory leaves Morocco on six points with a +5 goal difference, ahead of Algeria and Senegal, who both have three points after Senegal defeated Kenya 1-0.
The Atlas Lionesses now sit alone at the top of the group after following up their opening-day victory over Kenya with another clean sheet. Mssoudy also continued her impressive tournament by delivering the decisive moment in the closing stages, helping Morocco strengthen their bid to finish as Group A winners.
Morocco will face Senegal in their final Group A fixture, while Algeria meet Kenya in a decisive encounter that will determine the remaining quarter-final qualification places.
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