Algeria make CAN Feminine history after dramatic Morocco shootout

Algeria clinched the bronze medals at CAN Feminine 2026 for the first time in their history after overturning Morocco’s lead and winning a dramatic penalty shootout 3-2.

Morocco had looked firmly in control during the opening half, dominating possession and creating the clear majority of the chances. The Lionesses of the Atlas enjoyed almost 60% of the ball and attempted 14 shots, while Algeria failed to register an effort before the interval.

That superiority was rewarded in the 37th minute when 18-year-old forward Kautar Azraf opened the scoring. She finished after receiving a precise pass from Hanane Ait El Haj, the 31-year-old Morocco team-mate who had been booked a few minutes earlier.

The goal left Algeria facing a difficult second half. The Fennecs had been unable to test the Moroccan goalkeeper and were struggling to cope with the intensity of their opponents’ play. Algeria responded by making immediate tactical changes in an attempt to alter the course of the match.

Morocco’s defence initially remained composed, although the second period quickly became a far more demanding contest as Algeria increased the pressure.

The hosts thought they had doubled their advantage three minutes after the restart. Maryam Atiq found the net in the 48th minute, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for an earlier foul.

That decision gave Algeria renewed momentum. The Fennecs continued to push forward and eventually found the equaliser through Lina Boussaha in the 83rd minute.

With neither side able to find a winning goal in the closing stages, the match appeared to be heading towards a draw. Morocco were then given a major opportunity in added time when they were awarded a penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

However, Nouhaila Benzina was unable to convert from the spot in the 90+7th minute. The missed penalty ensured that the bronze-medal match would be decided by a shootout.

Algeria held their nerve in the decisive contest, winning 3-2 to secure the bronze medals and complete a remarkable turnaround.

The result marks a landmark achievement for the Fennecs. It is the first time Algeria have won a medal in the history of CAN Feminine, after recovering from a first-half performance in which they had been completely outplayed by Morocco.

Morocco will be left to reflect on a missed opportunity after controlling much of the match, taking the lead through Azraf and later earning a late penalty. But Algeria’s second-half response, Boussaha’s equaliser and their composure in the shootout delivered a historic finish.