Algeria stun Zambia in World Cup warning shot before Women’s Afcon 2026 opener

Algeria’s women have sent out a major warning to their African rivals by defeating continental heavyweights Zambia 1-0 in their final warm-up match ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The victory, sealed in the 87th minute on Wednesday in Blida, comes just days before Algeria open the tournament against Senegal in Rabat on Sunday.

Despite sitting only eighth in the African women’s FIFA rankings, Algeria have now gone unbeaten in a two-match series against Zambia, who are ranked fifth on the continent and boast star forward Barbra Banda.

Late winner crowns statement win

Playing at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, Algeria completed their preparations with what will be seen as a statement result against the Copper Queens.

After a 1-1 draw in the first meeting last week – salvaged by an 87th-minute penalty from Sofia Guellati – the Fennecs women went one better in the second encounter.

Substitute Nihed Naili struck the decisive goal, finishing off a swift counter-attack in the 87th minute to give Algeria a prestigious 1-0 win.

Zambia, with captain Barbra Banda in the starting line-up, had earlier twice hit the woodwork in the first half and missed a golden chance to level in the dying moments when Ochumba saw her penalty come back off the post.

The narrow victory, achieved with a measure of good fortune but against one of Africa’s leading teams, delivers a significant psychological boost to coach Farid Benstiti and his squad.

From historic quarter-final to World Cup dream

Algeria will contest the opening match of the 2026 Women’s Afcon on Sunday at 18:00 local time, when they face Senegal at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

The North Africans are aiming to build on their breakthrough at the previous edition of the tournament last year, when they reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

This time, the ambition is greater. Drawn in a demanding Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and Kenya, Algeria are targeting at least a place in the semi-finals.

Reaching the last four would not only mark another historic step for the women’s national team, but is also expected to carry with it qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup – a feat that would be unprecedented for the Algerian women’s side.

Confidence rising before Senegal test

Benstiti’s team head to Rabat knowing they have just matched and then beaten a Zambian side widely regarded as one of the continent’s modern powerhouses, having appeared at both the Olympics and the Women’s World Cup.

The ability to hold their nerve late in games – with 87th-minute goals in both friendlies – will be seen as an encouraging sign before entering a high-pressure tournament opener.

While Zambia’s missed opportunities underline areas Algeria will need to tighten defensively, the results over the two matches suggest the Fennecs women could be dark horses in Morocco.

With confidence high after overcoming Banda and her team-mates, Algeria now turn their focus to Senegal, aware that a strong start in Rabat could set the tone for a historic campaign.