Algeria overturn Cote d’Ivoire as Morocco seal back-to-back Women’s World Cup places

Algeria have reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time after coming from behind to beat Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 on Saturday.

The result also secured Algeria a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, marking their first qualification for the tournament. Their historic achievement was matched on the same day by hosts Morocco, who defeated South Africa by the same scoreline to qualify for the World Cup for a second successive edition.

Algeria were made to work hard for their progress in a competitive quarter-final. Cote d’Ivoire took the lead in the 30th minute when Ines Konan found the net, but their task became more difficult after Safi Ouedraogo was sent off.

The dismissal gave Algeria greater control and they made their numerical advantage count after the interval. Ines Khairy equalised before the hour mark, and Amira Ould Braham completed the comeback only five minutes later.

Ould Braham benefited from a mistake by Cote d’Ivoire goalkeeper Aramto Diakite to put Algeria in front, and the North Africans held on to claim a landmark victory.

The result means Algeria have gone beyond the quarter-finals for the first time in their history at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. They will meet the winner of Sunday’s quarter-final between Malawi and Ghana in the last four.

A place in the semi-finals brings automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be staged in Brazil from 24 June to 25 July.

Algeria’s success came after an impressive performance from a side managed by Farid Benstiti, the former head coach of Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais. His team recovered from conceding first and took advantage of Cote d’Ivoire’s loss of a player to secure one of the most significant results in the country’s women’s football history.

Morocco also booked their place in Brazil after overcoming South Africa 2-1 in the other quarter-final played on Saturday.

The hosts moved ahead in the 31st minute through Sakina Ouzraoui Diki. Hanan Ait El Haj then doubled Morocco’s advantage six minutes after half-time, converting a penalty in the 51st minute.

South Africa responded when Thembi Kgatlana reduced the deficit in the 67th minute, but Morocco prevented the reigning African side from completing a comeback and held on to reach the semi-finals.

The qualification will allow Morocco to appear at the Women’s World Cup for the second time in a row. Their first appearance came at the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, where they reached the last 16 before being eliminated by France in a 4-0 defeat.

Morocco’s latest victory ensures their continued presence on the world stage, while Algeria’s progress represents a breakthrough after their first successful campaign to reach the tournament. Both teams remain in contention for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil in Morocco.