WAFCON 2026: Algeria Stun Hosts Morocco on Penalties to Claim Historic Bronze Medal
Algeria secured a historic third-place finish at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating host nation Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.
The tense North African derby finished tied 1-1 after regulation time.
Kautar Azraf initially opened the scoring for the Atlas Lionesses in the 37th minute, but Lina Boussaha struck a late 83rd-minute equalizer for the Fennecs to force the shootout.
In the high-pressure shootout, Algeria held their nerve as Morocco missed three consecutive spot-kicks.
Ines Belloumou stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, sealing a podium finish that marks the greatest achievement in the history of Algerian women’s football.
