Morocco and Algeria name starting XIs for Women’s AFCON 2026 showdown in Rabat

Morocco and Algeria have confirmed their starting line-ups for their eagerly awaited CAN Feminine 2026 meeting at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

Morocco coach Jorge Vilda Rodriguez has opted for an experienced and attack-minded side, captained by Hanane Ait El Haj, as the hosts look to make a strong statement in front of their home supporters.

Opposite number Farid Benstiti has selected an ambitious Algeria XI, with Marine Dafeur wearing the armband and tasked with dictating play from midfield in a team clearly set up to be positive from the outset.

Morocco lean on experience and attacking depth

For Morocco, Khadija Er-Rmichi starts in goal, providing continuity and leadership from the back.

In front of her, Zineb Redouani and Nouhaila Benzina are named in defence, while Elodie Nakkach will anchor the team’s structure and link play.

Captain Hanane Ait El Haj lines up alongside Maryame Atiq and Yasmin-Katie Mrabet, giving Morocco a blend of composure and energy in the middle areas.

Further forward, Vilda Rodriguez has stacked his side with attacking options. Ibtissam Jraidi, Sanaa Mssoudy, Sakina Ouzraoui and Kautar Azraf are all included, offering pace, movement and goals as Morocco look to capitalise on their offensive strength.

Morocco XI: Khadija Er-Rmichi; Zineb Redouani, Nouhaila Benzina, Elodie Nakkach; Ibtissam Jraidi, Maryame Atiq, Hanane Ait El Haj (capt), Sanaa Mssoudy, Sakina Ouzraoui, Yasmin-Katie Mrabet, Kautar Azraf.

Algeria set up to impose early tempo

Algeria respond with a starting side built to compete aggressively in midfield and threaten in the final third.

Chloe Yamina N’Gazi has been chosen in goal, entrusted with marshalling the defence on a high-pressure occasion.

Roselene Khezami, Melissa Bethi and Ines Belloumou are all named in the outfield unit, offering defensive security and support down the flanks.

In midfield, captain Marine Dafeur will operate at the heart of the team, aiming to set the rhythm and connect with the forwards. She is supported by players including Amira Ould Braham and Lana Lili Smits Ouraghi, giving Algeria balance between defensive work and forward running.

Algeria’s attack features Lina Boussaha, Ikram Adjabi, Lynda Bendris and Morgane Ikene, a front line tasked with “tenter d’imposer leur rythme d’entree de jeu” – to try to dictate the tempo from the very start and disrupt the hosts’ plans.

Algeria XI: Chloe Yamina N’Gazi; Roselene Khezami, Melissa Bethi, Ines Belloumou; Lina Boussaha, Ikram Adjabi, Lynda Bendris, Morgane Ikene, Amira Ould Braham, Marine Dafeur (capt), Lana Lili Smits Ouraghi.

High anticipation around regional contest

The encounter is one of the marquee fixtures of the CAN Feminine 2026 schedule, bringing together two North African rivals in a match expected to draw considerable regional interest.

With both coaches revealing line-ups full of attacking talent and led by influential captains, the scene is set for an intense contest at the Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan complex, where the outcome could prove significant for momentum early in the tournament.