Algeria have reached the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after beating Ivory Coast 2-1 in Casablanca, Bold Sports reports.
The North Africans overturned an early deficit in a dramatic quarter-final on Saturday. The victory also secured Algeria’s historic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Fennecs entered the knockout tie with a strong defensive record. They had conceded only once in the tournament before facing Ivory Coast. Meanwhile, the Lady Elephants had scored eight goals during the group stage. That set up a clash between Algeria’s defence and Ivory Coast’s attacking threat.
Ivory Coast started with greater attacking intent. Their pressure eventually produced the opening goal in the 29th minute.
Ines Konan found the net to give the Ivorians a valuable lead. Algeria then had to respond before the break.
Their task became easier when Ivory Coast lost Habibou Ouedraogo to a red card in the 42nd minute. The dismissal left the Lady Elephants with ten players for the second half.
The numerical advantage changed the balance after the interval. Algeria increased their attacking pressure and eventually found an equaliser.
Ines Khiri scored in the 59th minute. Her goal restored parity and gave Algeria fresh momentum.
Ivory Coast then received a huge chance to regain control. Rebecca Elloh stepped up to take a penalty in the 62nd minute. However, she failed to convert the spot-kick.
Algeria punished that miss almost immediately. Amira Ould Braham put Algeria ahead in the 64th minute. Marine Dafeur provided the assist for the decisive goal.
The comeback was complete within just five minutes of the penalty miss.
Ivory Coast refused to surrender after falling behind. The Ivorians pushed forward in search of another equaliser.
Algeria, however, protected their advantage effectively. Their defensive organisation helped them survive the late pressure.
The Fennecs also managed the closing stages with composure. They made tactical changes and disrupted Ivory Coast’s attacking rhythm.
The victory sends the Fennecs into the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time. Winning the quarter-final secured automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament in Brazil.
The defeat ends Ivory Coast’s return to the continental finals after a 12-year absence.
The Lady Elephants still leave the competition with plenty of positives. Their attacking performances during the group stage showed the quality within the squad.
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