Algeria have reached the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time after overturning a 2-1 deficit against Ivory Coast in a dramatic quarter-final in Casablanca on Saturday.
The North Africans also secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil with the victory.
Ivory Coast appeared in control after Ines Konan opened the scoring in the 29th minute, giving the Ivorians a deserved advantage in the first half.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically before the interval when Ivory Coast were reduced to 10 players following the dismissal of 18-year-old N’Sira Ouedraogo.
Ouedraogo was shown a red card for an incident involving Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi, leaving Ivory Coast to play the remainder of the contest with a numerical disadvantage.
Algeria, who had struggled to threaten the Ivorian goal during the opening 45 minutes, took full advantage of the extra player after the restart.
Substitute Ines Khiri restored parity shortly before the hour mark before Amira Braham completed Algeria’s comeback six minutes later to put them ahead.
Ivory Coast were handed an opportunity to level the contest when Rebecca Elloh won a penalty, but she struck the post as Algeria survived a major scare.
The missed penalty proved costly as Algeria held on to claim a historic victory and book their place in the last four.
The result also confirmed Algeria’s qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, marking another significant milestone for the team.
Algeria will face either Ghana or Malawi in the semi-finals. The two sides are scheduled to meet on Sunday to determine Algeria’s next opponent.
Meanwhile, hosts Morocco will face defending champions South Africa in the other quarter-final in Rabat on Saturday.
Nigeria, the defending champions, are also scheduled to face Cameroon on Sunday, while Ghana and Malawi will battle for the remaining semi-final place.
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