Algeria claimed the bronze medal at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties at the Rabat Olympic Stadium on Saturday night.
The Fennecs secured their first-ever WAFCON medal in dramatic fashion after Lina Boussaha’s late equaliser forced the contest into a penalty shootout, where Algeria prevailed.
Algeria entered the third-place playoff looking to bounce back from their semifinal defeat to debutants Malawi and finish the tournament with a historic achievement. Morocco, meanwhile, were hoping to end their campaign on a high after Cameroon denied them a place in the final.
The hosts made the stronger start and took the lead in the 37th minute when Kautar Azraf found the back of the net to put Morocco 1-0 ahead.
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Morocco appeared to have doubled their advantage just two minutes after the restart when Maryame Atiq scored, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review.
Algeria continued to push for an equaliser as the game entered its final stages, and their persistence finally paid off in the 83rd minute when Boussaha struck to level the score and set up a tense finish.
The drama intensified in stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Nouhaila Benzina stepped up with an opportunity to win the match for the hosts, but her effort struck the woodwork, sending the contest into a penalty shootout.
Algeria kept their composure from the spot, converting three of their penalties, while Morocco missed three of their attempts as the Fennecs secured a 3-2 shootout victory.
The historic result caps a remarkable tournament for Algeria, who not only secured their first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup but have now added their maiden WAFCON medal.
For Morocco, however, the result marks a disappointing end to their campaign. Having reached the final in the previous two editions and fallen short on both occasions, the Atlas Lionesses had been hoping to go one step further and lift their first continental title.
Instead, they finish fourth after suffering consecutive defeats to Cameroon and Algeria.
The 2026 WAFCON title will be decided on Sunday when debutants Malawi take on Cameroon at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with both teams bidding to make history and be crowned African champions for the first time ever.
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