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Algeria secured their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations medal after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties in a dramatic third-place playoff at the Rabat Olympic Stadium on Saturday night.
The Fennecs recovered from conceding an early goal to force the match into a shootout, where they held their nerve to claim the bronze medal and cap a historic tournament.
Morocco took control in the 37th minute when Kautar Azraf finished to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Boussaha rescues Algeria late
Morocco thought they had extended their advantage shortly after half-time when Maryame Atiq found the net, but VAR intervened and the goal was ruled out.
Algeria continued searching for an equaliser and eventually got their reward in the 83rd minute.
Lina Boussaha found the breakthrough for the Fennecs, scoring to bring the game level and force a tense final period.
The hosts were then handed a golden opportunity to win the match in stoppage time after a VAR review resulted in a penalty.
Nouhaila Benzina stepped up for Morocco, but her effort struck the woodwork, sending the contest into a shootout.
Fennecs make history in Morocco
Algeria converted three of their penalties, while Morocco missed three attempts as the Fennecs secured a 3-2 victory from the spot.
The result marks Algeria’s first medal at the WAFCON and adds another major achievement to a breakthrough campaign.
The Fennecs had reached the third-place playoff after losing their semi-final to tournament debutants Malawi, but responded strongly to secure a historic finish.
They have also qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time, making the tournament a landmark moment for Algerian women’s football.
For Morocco, the defeat represents another disappointing end to their continental campaign.
The Atlas Lionesses had reached the WAFCON final in the previous two editions but failed to win the title on both occasions. They now finish fourth after consecutive defeats by Cameroon and Algeria.
The 2026 WAFCON final will take place on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with Malawi facing Cameroon.