2026 Women's AFCON: Morocco Dominates Algeria to Secure Quarterfinal Spot

08:51

Morocco continues its flawless home run. The Atlas Lionesses won Thursday night in Rabat against Algeria (1-0), after a match that remained uncertain for a long time. This second victory in two days allows the Moroccan team to take sole control of Group A and secure their qualification for the quarterfinals.

In an atmosphere supported by a large crowd at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Jorge Vilda's players had to wait until the final minutes to convert their dominance. Against a disciplined and compact Algerian team, Morocco gradually established its game before making the difference at the end of the match.

A Controlled First Half

The opening minutes were marked by the caution of both teams. Aware of the importance of the stakes, both teams first sought to secure their defenses before taking more risks.

However, Morocco quickly took the initiative. The Atlas Lionesses favored attacks down the flanks to stretch the Algerian block and create space in their defense.

Sakina Ouzraoui and Sanaa Mssoudy regularly sought to create danger from the wings, while Yasmine Mrabet, Kautar Azraf, and Elodie Nakkach ensured balance in midfield between recovery and build-up.

The first real alert came in the 17th minute. From a free kick by Kautar Azraf, Nouhaila Benzina headed the ball just past the Algerian goal.

The Algerian team managed to contain Moroccan offensives for a long time. It wasn't until the 37th minute that the Fennecs attempted their first shot from outside the box, which did not really trouble Khadija Er-Rmichi.

At halftime, both teams returned to the locker rooms with a score of 0-0.

Mssoudy Delivers for the Atlas Lionesses

Upon returning from the locker rooms, Morocco increased the intensity. Jorge Vilda's players occupied the Algerian half more and multiplied offensive initiatives.

Zineb Redouani and Ibtissam Jraidi notably contributed to this rise in power, but the Algerian defense remained compact for a long time.

A substitution would ultimately change the pace of the match. In the 70th minute, the entry of captain Ghizlane Chebbak for Ibtissam Jraidi brought more creativity and rhythm to the Moroccan game.

A few minutes later, Chebbak made her mark on a set piece. Her cross found Sanaa Mssoudy, whose header was saved by Algerian goalkeeper Chloé N'Gazi.

However, Morocco did not give up. In the 84th minute, Mssoudy finally found the net and scored the goal that turned the match.

This goal rewarded the pressure exerted by the Moroccan team throughout the second half and offered the Rabat crowd a particularly intense finish to the match.

Six Points and Qualification Already Secured

With this victory, Morocco now has 6 points after two matches and sits alone at the top of Group A. Algeria and Senegal follow with 3 points each, while Kenya remains at 0 points.

The success against Algeria primarily ensures the Atlas Lionesses a place in the quarterfinals even before the last match of the group stage.

For the Moroccan team, the challenge now will be to maintain this momentum and prepare for the next stage of the competition with the ambition of extending their journey in front of their home crowd.