Algeria have made history at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after overturning an early deficit to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Casablanca on Saturday, booking their place in the semi-finals and securing qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ivory Coast took control of the quarter-final in the 29th minute when Ines Konan found the net to give her side the lead.
However, the Ivorians’ advantage was weakened shortly before the interval after 18-year-old N’Sira Ouedraogo was shown a red card for an incident involving Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi.
The numerical disadvantage changed the course of the contest, with Algeria becoming increasingly dominant after the restart.
Substitute Ines Khiri restored parity shortly before the hour mark before fellow substitute Amira Braham completed the turnaround six minutes later, putting Algeria ahead for the first time.
Ivory Coast had an opportunity to level the score from the penalty spot, but Rebecca Elloh’s effort hit the post, allowing Algeria to maintain their lead.
The victory sends Algeria into their first-ever WAFCON semi-final, while also guaranteeing the North Africans a place at next year’s 32-team Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Algeria will meet either Malawi or Ghana in the last four, with the two sides scheduled to face each other on Sunday.
The remaining quarter-final fixtures will see hosts Morocco take on South Africa later Saturday in Rabat, while defending champions Nigeria will battle Cameroon on Sunday before Ghana face Malawi.
