Lina Boussaha rescues Algeria as Morocco’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations lead disappears

Algeria came from behind to draw 1-1 with Morocco and send their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 tie to a penalty shootout after Lina Boussaha’s late equaliser.

Morocco had dominated the opening period, controlling almost 60% of possession and registering 14 attempts without allowing Algeria to take a single shot. The Lionesses of the Atlas imposed a relentless tempo and appeared firmly in command for much of the first half.

Their pressure was rewarded in the 37th minute when 18-year-old forward Kautar Azraf opened the scoring. She finished from an accurate delivery by her 31-year-old team-mate Hanane Ait El Haj.

Ait El Haj had already made her presence felt earlier in the match after being shown a yellow card, but her important contribution in attack gave Morocco the advantage before half-time.

Algeria were left facing a difficult second half after being largely suffocated by Morocco’s performance. They had failed to put a single effort on target and were forced to make immediate tactical changes in an attempt to alter the course of the game.

Morocco’s defence remained composed despite Algeria’s improved response after the interval. The next 45 minutes, however, became far more demanding for the bronze medallists as the Algerians gradually increased the pressure.

Maryam Atiq appeared to double Morocco’s lead just three minutes after the restart. Her effort in the 48th minute was ruled out by VAR because of a foul in the build-up, giving Algeria a crucial reprieve.

That decision provided the Fennecs with renewed momentum. They stepped up their attacking efforts and eventually found the breakthrough they needed seven minutes from the end of normal time.

Boussaha scored in the 83rd minute to restore parity and bring Algeria level. The goal transformed the contest after Morocco had spent most of the match protecting its advantage.

With neither side able to find a decisive second goal, the match appeared to be heading towards a draw. Morocco were then handed a golden opportunity to settle the contest in added time.

Nouhaila Benzina stepped up to take a penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time, at 90+7 minutes. However, she was unable to convert the chance for the Lionesses of the Atlas.

The missed spot-kick meant the two teams could not be separated after normal time and confirmed that the outcome would be decided by a penalty shootout. Morocco’s strong first-half display had given them control, but Algeria’s tactical response and Boussaha’s late equaliser ensured the match remained alive until the final kick.