Algeria and Morocco Reach WAFCON Semi-Finals and World Cup Dreams

Algeria and hosts Morocco made it to the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after different victories on Saturday. Both teams also secured spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

While Algeria made a fantastic comeback against Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco managed to hold off former champions South Africa to keep their hopes alive on home ground.

Algeria Turns Around Côte d’Ivoire's Lead

Algeria reached the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time ever after second-half goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham turned around Ines Konan’s opener for Côte d’Ivoire.

This victory ended Algeria’s long wait to be among Africa’s final four and also secured their place for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For Farid Benstiti’s team, this win was the perfect way to respond to last year’s quarter-final heartbreak, when Ghana knocked out Algeria on penalties after a goalless match.

Côte d’Ivoire started strong, showing their attacking power after scoring eight goals in the group stage. They took the lead in the 30th minute when Konan finished well to put the Lady Elephants ahead.

But the game changed dramatically before half-time. Habibou Ouedraogo got sent off, leaving Côte d’Ivoire with 10 players for the rest of the match.

Algeria had to make a change too after Morgane Ikene got injured, with Morgane Belkhiter stepping in.

At half-time, Benstiti made key changes by bringing in Ikram Adjabi and Khiri. These changes quickly boosted Algeria’s attacking play.

Khiri equalised in the 58th minute. Côte d’Ivoire then had a chance to regain the lead with a penalty four minutes later. Rebecca Elloh, however, missed the chance to score.

Algeria took full advantage of the miss. Just two minutes later, Marine Dafeur set up Ould Braham, who finished calmly to complete the comeback in the 64th minute.

Even with a player down, Côte d’Ivoire pushed for an equaliser. But Algeria’s strong defence held firm, with goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi playing a key role in managing the late pressure as the Fennecs held on to their lead.

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

Côte d’Ivoire’s journey should not be overlooked. Their return to this competition after a long absence has shown that the Lady Elephants can be a strong force in African women’s football.

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

Morocco Survives Against South Africa

Hosts Morocco also secured their semi-final spot with a tough 2-1 victory over South Africa, which also guarantees their place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Morocco started the match well, coming close in the 20th minute when Sanaa Mssoudy headed just over the bar. South Africa quickly responded, with Thembi Kgatlana firing over a minute later.

The hosts finally scored in the 31st minute when Sakina Ouzraoui made a great first-time finish for her second goal of the tournament.

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

Banyana Banyana fought back through Kgatlana in the 67th minute. She cut in from the left and struck a powerful shot to reduce the deficit and give South Africa some hope.

The former champions pushed hard for an equaliser, but Morocco stayed disciplined defensively and successfully protected their lead.

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

For both Algeria and Morocco, Saturday was more than just reaching the final four. It was about making history and securing their tickets to Brazil.