Algeria secured the bronze medal at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the third-place match on Saturday.
The encounter in Rabat ended level after 90 minutes, with Morocco taking the lead in the 37th minute through Kautar Azraf. Algeria continued to push for an equaliser and were rewarded in the 83rd minute when Lina Boussaha found the back of the net.
With no extra time played, the match went straight to a penalty shootout.
Morocco struggled from the spot, scoring their opening two attempts before failing to convert their next three. Algeria also missed two of their four initial penalties, but Ines Belloumou successfully converted the decisive kick to hand her country the bronze medal.
The result marked another disappointing finish for Morocco, who have now missed out on the title in each of the last three editions they have hosted. The Atlas Lionesses finished as runners-up in both 2022 and 2024.
Despite missing out on a medal, Morocco secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil by reaching the semi-finals.
Algeria, Cameroon and Malawi have also booked their places at the global tournament. South Africa and Ghana could join them if they successfully navigate the intercontinental play-offs.
Cameroon and Malawi will contest the 2026 WAFCON final on Sunday.
