Algeria suffer second injury blow as Morgane Ikene ruled out of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria forward Morgane Ikene has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after undergoing successful ankle surgery, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has confirmed.

Ikene was injured during Algeria’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Cote d’Ivoire and was forced to leave the pitch in the 20th minute. Her absence is the second injury setback for the Vertes during the tournament, following the earlier loss of Ines Boutaleb.

The 27-year-old was carried from the field on a stretcher in tears after sustaining the ankle injury. She was subsequently taken to hospital for further medical examinations.

The FAF announced on Monday that Ikene had undergone surgery successfully on Sunday. Despite the positive outcome of the operation, the injury means she will play no further part in the competition.

FAF president Walid Sadi sent Ikene his best wishes for a speedy recovery and expressed hope that she would return to the pitch soon. Several of her Algeria team-mates also offered messages of support after the injury was confirmed.

Ikene, who was born in Mont-Saint-Aignan in north-west France, has played for US Saint-Malo since 2018. Before joining the club, she represented Quevilly, Arras and Rouen.

She made her Algeria debut in 2024 and has since won six caps for the national team. Her absence, alongside Boutaleb’s, leaves Algeria with fewer attacking options as they prepare for the decisive stages of the tournament.

Despite the injuries, Algeria are enjoying a historic campaign. Their victory against Cote d’Ivoire secured the national team’s first-ever qualification for a Women’s World Cup, with the 2027 tournament due to be held in Brazil.

The Vertes will now face Malawi in the semi-finals on Wednesday, with a place in the final at stake. They will have to negotiate that match without Ikene as they continue their bid to reach the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.