Algeria made history at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, securing their first-ever podium finish after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time in Rabat.
In a closely contested third-place playoff between the North African rivals, Morocco nearly opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ibtissam Jraidi struck the crossbar. The hosts eventually took the lead in the 26th minute through Kautar Azraf, who produced a brilliant individual effort before curling the ball into the far corner.
Algeria responded positively and continued to push for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off seven minutes from full time when Melissa Bethi threaded a superb pass to Lina Boussaha, who calmly finished past the goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1. 
With neither side able to find a winner before the final whistle, the match went to penalties. Algeria held their nerve from the spot, emerging 3-2 winners, with Ines Belloumou converting the decisive kick.
The victory caps an impressive tournament for Algeria, who claimed their maiden WAFCON bronze medal and first-ever top-three finish. Morocco, meanwhile, concluded a commendable campaign on home soil in fourth place after narrowly missing out on a medal.
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