Algeria secures historic Women’s World Cup qualification after comeback win
Algeria has achieved a significant milestone, securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup following a 2-1 comeback victory over Côte d’Ivoire. This win, which took place in the opening quarter-final of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, also propelled the team into the semi-finals of the continental competition for the first time.
The match saw Algeria overcome an early deficit. Ines Konan gave Côte d’Ivoire the lead in the 30th minute. However, second-half goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham sealed the victory for the Fennecs.
Dramatic Turnaround in Casablanca
The encounter, held in Casablanca, featured two teams with contrasting styles. Côte d’Ivoire entered the quarter-final known for its attacking prowess, having scored eight goals during the group stage. In contrast, Algeria was noted for its strong defensive record throughout the competition.
Côte d’Ivoire started brightly, with Ines Konan breaking the deadlock. However, the momentum shifted dramatically before half-time when Habibou Ouedraogo was shown a red card, reducing Côte d’Ivoire to ten players. This red card, for kicking Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi, proved to be a pivotal moment in the match.
Earlier in the game, Algeria was forced to make a change due to an injury to Morgane Ikene, who was replaced by Morgane Belkhiter.
Substitutions and Defensive Resilience Lead to Victory
Following the interval, Algeria’s coach, Farid Benstiti, made tactical changes, introducing Ikram Adjabi and Ines Khiri. These substitutions injected greater urgency into Algeria’s attack, quickly transforming the game.
Khiri equalized for Algeria in the 58th minute. Just four minutes later, Côte d’Ivoire had an opportunity to regain the lead from a penalty, but Rebecca Elloh failed to convert, striking the post. Algeria capitalized on this missed chance, with Amira Ould Braham scoring in the 64th minute after receiving a pass from Marine Dafeur, completing the comeback.
Despite being numerically disadvantaged, Côte d’Ivoire continued to press for an equalizer. However, Algeria’s defensive organization, a hallmark of their campaign, held firm. Goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi marshalled her defense effectively, repelling late pressure.
Historic Qualification and Future Prospects
The victory not only secured Algeria’s first-ever appearance in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals but also guaranteed their qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists from Morocco 2026 automatically earn Africa’s direct qualification places for the global tournament.
For Côte d’Ivoire, despite the defeat, their World Cup hopes remain alive. Under the expanded qualification system, the four losing quarter-finalists will compete in an African play-off. The two winners from this play-off will then progress to the FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-offs, offering another chance to secure a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Algeria is set to face either Malawi or Ghana in the WAFCON semi-finals. The draw for the 32-nation World Cup in Brazil is scheduled for next year.
The achievement marks a historic milestone for Algeria’s women’s national team, confirming their arrival among the elite nations of African women’s football. The win represents a significant step forward for a team that had previously experienced quarter-final heartbreak, including an elimination by Ghana on penalties after a goalless draw in the previous year’s quarter-finals.
The other quarter-final matches include hosts Morocco facing South Africa, and defending champions Nigeria meeting Cameroon.
Source: cafonline.com
