Algeria’s Khiri starts as Malawi stand between them and a first Women’s AFCON final

Algeria will attempt to reach the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time when they meet Malawi in Wednesday’s semi-final at Stade Olympique de Rabat in Morocco.

The match represents a historic opportunity for both sides. Algeria are appearing in the last four for the first time in their history, while Malawi are also bidding to reach the final for the first time after producing one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

The semi-final will be followed live and with commentary on Afrik-Foot.

Algeria secured their place in the last four by coming from behind to beat Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in the previous round. Ines Khiri and Amira Braham scored the goals that completed the turnaround and sent Farid Benstiti’s side into the semi-finals.

Khiri has been rewarded for her impact as a substitute in that match by being included in the starting line-up against Malawi. She replaces Lina Boussaha, who drops to the bench.

There are two further changes to Algeria’s team. Morgane Belkhiter starts in place of Morgane Ikene, who has undergone ankle surgery and will miss the rest of the competition, while Ikram Adjabi comes into the side instead of Sofia Bekhaled.

Algeria’s progress has already secured their best-ever finish at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. They now have the chance to go one step further and contest an unprecedented final, but Malawi will provide formidable opposition after their impressive run through the tournament.

The Scorchers finished top of their group in the opening phase, ahead of defending champions Nigeria. They then eliminated Ghana, the reigning bronze medallists, to claim a place in the semi-finals.

That victory gave Malawi a historic last-four appearance during their first participation in the competition. They now stand two matches away from a potential title, with Algeria representing their next challenge.

Neither team has previously reached the final, making the Rabat contest a significant moment for both nations. Algeria arrive with the confidence of a knockout-stage comeback, while Malawi’s campaign has been built on a group victory against the holders and a major win over Ghana.

With a place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final at stake, the first semi-final promises to be one of the most important matches in the history of both teams.