Algeria will face Nigeria in their final group-stage match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations already assured of a historic place in the quarter-finals—a first in the nation’s footballing history.
Despite still having one group fixture to play, the Fennecs secured qualification on Saturday following decisive results in Group A.
Morocco’s narrow 1-0 win over Senegal, coupled with Zambia’s 3-1 triumph over the Democratic Republic of Congo, has reshaped the third-place rankings in a way that guarantees Algeria’s progression, even in the event of a loss to Nigeria on Sunday.
With four points already in the bank, Algeria are mathematically among the two best third-placed teams—securing their passage to the knockout stage regardless of Sunday’s outcome.
Nevertheless, head coach Farid Benstiti has warned that their final Group B fixture remains a significant test.
We still want to measure ourselves against one of the best teams in Africa, he suggested ahead of the match.
Nigeria, nine-time continental champions, have already demonstrated their pedigree with solid performances, including a hard-fought 1-0 win over Botswana.
The Fennecs have yet to record a win against Nigeria in their last four meetings, and Benstiti is expected to tweak his line-up, possibly reinforcing the midfield in a bid to contain the Super Falcons’ attacking threats.
A positive result could even see Algeria top the group and avoid one of the tournament’s heavyweights in the next round.
Morocco and Zambia Seal progress, Senegal in limbo
Group A concluded on Saturday with Morocco and Zambia both clinching their quarter-final berths.
Hosts Morocco edged past Senegal 1-0 in a tense contest at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Yasmin Mrabet converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Ibtissam Jraidi was fouled in the area by Senegalese goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye.
Senegal thought they had found an equaliser late in the match, but VAR intervened to chalk off the goal for offside, leaving the Lionesses of Teranga stranded on three points.
Their hopes of qualification now rest on being among the top third-placed teams, a fate dependent on Sunday’s results in Group B.
In the other Group A encounter, Zambia confirmed their superiority with a commanding 3-1 victory over the DRC.
Star forwards Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda were again decisive, with Kundananji netting twice and Banda adding a third to seal their side’s place in the quarter-finals.
The DRC exit the tournament without registering a single point.
Crunch time in Group B
As Sunday’s fixtures get underway, Algeria’s showdown with Nigeria takes centre stage.
While the North Africans are through, the match represents a crucial opportunity to build momentum and possibly secure a more favourable route in the knockout phase.
A win against the tournament’s most decorated side would not only be a symbolic breakthrough but could also lift Algeria to the summit of Group B—marking yet another milestone in what is already a landmark campaign.
