WAFCON 2026: Morocco overcome Algeria in North African derby to seize control of Group A

Sanaa Mssoudy struck six minutes from time to hand hosts Morocco a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Algeria in a tense Maghreb derby on Thursday, sending the Atlas Lionesses to the top of Group A at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

After struggling to break down a disciplined Algerian defence for much of the evening, Morocco finally found the breakthrough in the 84th minute as Mssoudy’s goal secured a second successive win for Jorge Vilda’s side.

The result leaves the hosts with six points from their opening two matches and puts them in a commanding position in the race for a place in the quarter-finals.

For Algeria, who had also opened their campaign with a victory, the defeat was a bitter blow after an organised display that frustrated Morocco for long periods.

Derby dominated by caution and discipline

With both sides entering the match on the back of opening victories, the encounter began cautiously as neither team wanted to concede an early advantage.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, Morocco attempted to control possession and dictate the tempo in midfield, while Algeria relied on defensive organisation and collective discipline to disrupt the hosts’ rhythm.

Clear-cut opportunities were few and far between in a physical contest that produced several stoppages and bookings. Algeria’s Ikram Adjabi and Ines Belloumou were cautioned before the interval, while Morocco’s Hanane Ait El Haj also entered the referee’s notebook.

The opening 45 minutes ended goalless, reflecting the tactical battle unfolding on the pitch.

Morocco turn up the pressure

The Atlas Lionesses increased the intensity after the restart as they searched for the goal that would strengthen their grip on the group.

Algeria remained compact and difficult to break down, forcing Morocco to remain patient as the game entered its final stages.

Vilda responded by turning to his bench, introducing experienced captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 70th minute after Ibtissam Jraidi had already been brought on.

The changes added greater attacking impetus to Morocco’s play, while Algeria coach Farid Benstiti also refreshed his side by introducing Boutaleb, Khiril, Bekhaled and Alaouache.

Mssoudy breaks Algerian resistance

With the match heading towards a draw, Morocco finally found the decisive moment in the 84th minute.

Mssoudy broke Algeria’s resistance with a late strike that sparked celebrations among the home supporters and rewarded the hosts for their persistence.

Morocco controlled the closing stages with confidence, making further substitutions to protect their advantage and secure a victory that could prove crucial in determining the final standings.

Although Algeria pushed for an equaliser, the Atlas Lionesses held firm to claim all three points.

Morocco close in on quarter-finals

The victory leaves Morocco firmly in control of Group A with six points from two matches and continues their impressive start to the tournament on home soil.

Algeria remain on three points alongside Senegal, who earlier defeated Kenya 1-0 in Rabat.

With qualification for the knockout stages now within touching distance, the Atlas Lionesses have taken another significant step towards their ambition of lifting the continental title in front of their home fans.