Pedros backs Cote d’Ivoire to upset Algeria and reach Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals

Reynald Pedros has warned that Cote d’Ivoire face the most impressive side at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, but believes his team can qualify for the semi-finals if they reproduce their best performance against South Africa.

The Elephantes meet Algeria in the quarter-final on Saturday, 8 August, with Pedros showing considerable respect for their opponents ahead of the decisive tie.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the French coach praised Algeria’s performances throughout the tournament and identified them as the team setting the standard so far.

“Algeria are the best team; they are the side playing the best football in this tournament. If we reproduce the 70 minutes we produced against South Africa, we will have our chances of qualifying,” he said.

Pedros was referring to Cote d’Ivoire’s display in their final Group B match, when they drew 2-2 with the defending African champions. Despite being held by South Africa, the result was enough for the Ivorian side to finish top of their group and secure their place in the knockout stage.

Cote d’Ivoire had begun the tournament with a convincing 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso before edging past Tanzania 2-1. Their unbeaten run left them at the summit of Group B and has given the team confidence before their meeting with Algeria.

Algeria also advanced from the group stage in impressive fashion. They finished second in Group A after recording two victories, although they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat by Morocco in their final match.

The quarter-final carries significance well beyond a place in the last four. The winner will also qualify directly for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 guaranteed places at the global tournament.

That added reward makes Saturday’s contest a particularly important occasion for both national teams. Cote d’Ivoire will seek to build on the attacking form that produced five goals in their first two group matches, while Algeria will aim to maintain the level that has earned Pedros’ strong endorsement.

For the Elephantes, the challenge will be to match the intensity and quality they showed for much of their draw with South Africa. Pedros believes that reproducing that 70-minute spell could give his side the opportunity to overcome Algeria and keep their hopes of both continental success and World Cup qualification alive.