Algeria and Morocco Reach Semi-Finals, Secure World Cup Spots

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Algeria and hosts Morocco have made it to the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams won their matches on Saturday, and they also qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Algeria made a stunning comeback against Côte d’Ivoire, while Morocco overcame former champions South Africa to keep their title hopes alive at home.

Algeria Turns the Game Around Against Côte d’Ivoire

Algeria reached the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time ever. They did this with second-half goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham, turning around Ines Konan’s opener for Côte d’Ivoire.

This victory marks a significant moment for Algeria as they finally enter Africa’s final four. More importantly, it secures their spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For coach Farid Benstiti’s team, this win was a great response to last year’s quarter-final exit, where Ghana beat Algeria on penalties after a goalless match.

Côte d’Ivoire began well, showing their attacking strength with eight goals in the group stage. They scored first in the 30th minute when Konan finished confidently to put the Lady Elephants ahead.

But the game changed before halftime when Habibou Ouedraogo was sent off, leaving Côte d’Ivoire with only 10 players for the rest of the match.

Earlier, Algeria had to make a substitution when Morgane Ikene got injured, bringing in Morgane Belkhiter.

Benstiti made changes at halftime, bringing in Ikram Adjabi and Khiri. These changes quickly boosted Algeria’s attack.

Khiri equalised in the 58th minute. Côte d’Ivoire then got a chance to regain the lead with a penalty just four minutes later. Rebecca Elloh, however, missed the penalty. Algeria took advantage of this miss. Just two minutes later, Marine Dafeur assisted Ould Braham, who finished calmly in the 64th minute.

Côte d’Ivoire tried hard to equalise despite being a player down. But Algeria’s defence held strong, with goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi playing a key role as the Fennecs defended their lead until the end.

This historic win means Algeria has reached their first WAFCON semi-final and qualified for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup through the continental route.

Côte d’Ivoire’s journey should not be overlooked. Their return to the competition after a long break has shown that the Lady Elephants are becoming a strong team in African women’s football.

They may have missed out on automatic World Cup spots, but their hopes are still alive. The four losing quarter-finalists will participate in an African play-off, with two winners moving to the FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-offs for another chance to reach Brazil in 2027.

Morocco Beats South Africa to Advance

Hosts Morocco also reached the semi-finals with a tough 2-1 win over South Africa. This victory also guarantees their spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Morocco started the match strong. In the 20th minute, Sanaa Mssoudy almost scored with a header. South Africa quickly responded, with Thembi Kgatlana shooting over just a minute later.

The hosts finally took the lead in the 31st minute when Sakina Ouzraoui scored with a great first-time finish, marking her second goal of the tournament.

Morocco doubled their lead six minutes into the second half after South Africa conceded a penalty. Hanane Aït El Haj calmly converted the penalty.

South Africa responded with Kgatlana scoring in the 67th minute. She cut in from the left and fired a powerful shot to narrow the gap, giving South Africa some hope.

The former champions pushed hard for an equaliser, but Morocco’s defence stayed disciplined and protected their lead.

The 2-1 win sends the hosts into Wednesday’s semi-final and ensures Morocco’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For Algeria and Morocco, Saturday was not just about reaching the semi-finals; it was about making history and getting a ticket to Brazil.