Omanghana
Algeria’s women’s national football team have made history by qualifying for their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final and securing a maiden place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The historic achievements were confirmed on Saturday, August 8, 2026, after Algeria came from behind to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 2–1 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 WAFCON tournament in Morocco.
Côte d’Ivoire opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Ines Konan, putting Algeria under pressure during the first half.
The contest changed significantly in the 42nd minute when Ivorian player N’Sira Ouedraogo received a straight red card, leaving her team to complete the match with 10 players.
Algeria head coach Farid Benstiti responded by making tactical changes and introducing substitutes to take advantage of the numerical superiority.
The Algerians eventually found the equalizer in the 59th minute through Ines Khiri, whose goal restored their hopes of reaching the last four.
Côte d’Ivoire were presented with an opportunity to regain the lead three minutes later when they were awarded a penalty. Rebecca Elloh, however, failed to convert the spot kick.
Algeria quickly punished the miss, with Amira Ould Braham scoring in the 64th minute to complete the comeback and give her country a historic 2–1 victory.
The result sends Algeria into the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time and guarantees them one of Africa’s four direct qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The achievement represents a major breakthrough for Algerian women’s football and rewards the Algerian Football Federation’s long-term development efforts. The national team has increasingly benefited from a core of experienced players competing in European and other international leagues.
Algeria will face the winner of the quarter-final between Cameroon and Nigeria in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of a first continental title.
Tournament hosts Morocco also secured places in the semi-finals and the 2027 Women’s World Cup after defeating South Africa in their quarter-final encounter.
Source: Omanghana
