Morocco Edge Algeria to Reach WAFCON Quarter-finals

Hosts Morocco secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Algeria in Rabat. A late goal from Sanaa Mssoudy proved decisive in a tightly contested Group A encounter, sending the home side into the knockout stage with a game to spare.

The match was evenly balanced for long periods, with both teams creating limited clear-cut opportunities in a contest dominated by disciplined defending. Algeria frustrated the hosts for much of the game before Morocco finally found the breakthrough in the 84th minute when Mssoudy capitalised on a scoring opportunity to seal the victory.

Morocco's second consecutive win of the tournament guaranteed their place in the last eight and strengthened their bid to progress as Group A winners. The result also maintained the hosts' unbeaten start to the competition as they continue their pursuit of a first-ever WAFCON title on home soil.

For Algeria, the defeat leaves qualification hopes hanging in the balance ahead of their final group fixture. Despite a resilient defensive display, they were unable to find an equaliser after falling behind and must now battle for a place in the knockout phase.

Morocco will now look to maintain their momentum in their final group match, while Algeria face a crucial encounter as they seek to keep their WAFCON campaign alive.