# Mssoudy’s late strike gives Morocco derby victory over Algeria

Sanaa Mssoudy scored six minutes from time as Morocco edged Algeria 1-0 in a fiercely contested derby at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat on Thursday.

The result gives the Lionesses of the Atlas a second successive victory in Group A, following their 4-0 win over Kenya, and leaves them targeting top spot when they face Senegal on Monday.

Morocco were made to work throughout by an Algeria side whose organisation and defensive discipline kept the hosts from finding a way through for long periods. The match remained goalless until the 84th minute, when Mssoudy finally broke the deadlock.

Hanane Ait El Haj, who again played a decisive role, provided the delivery for Mssoudy to score the only goal of the game and secure three important points for Morocco.

The victory was particularly significant given the intensity of the derby, with Algeria’s compact defensive structure repeatedly frustrating their opponents. Morocco had to remain patient before eventually finding the opening late in the contest.

After the final whistle, Mssoudy’s attention turned first to the large crowd at Stade Moulay Hassan. The goalscorer praised the supporters who had gathered in Rabat as Morocco came through a demanding local rivalry.

Sakina Ouzraoui also reflected on the special nature of the fixture. The Morocco player acknowledged that the pressure of the occasion had at times made it more difficult for her team to play with its usual fluency, but said the side had managed to regain control and wait for its opportunity.

Morocco will now complete their group-stage campaign against Senegal on Monday at 21:00. The meeting will decide which team finishes top of Group A.

Mssoudy said Morocco would approach the match with the same focus and discipline required in the derby.

“We are going to play it with a lot of seriousness. We hope that the Moroccan people will be there again.”

The win over Algeria extends Morocco’s perfect start in the competition to two matches. Their earlier success against Kenya provided a strong opening to the tournament, while Thursday’s narrow victory showed the team’s ability to secure a result in a much tighter encounter.

With the hosts having survived Algeria’s well-organised resistance and found the decisive goal in the closing stages, attention now turns to the Senegal match and the battle for first place in the group.