Algeria and hosts Morocco have stormed into the WAFCON 2026 semi-finals and secured tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after dramatic quarter-final wins.
Algeria came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1, while Morocco edged South Africa 2-1 in a thrilling double-header.
Algeria complete comeback against Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast looked on course for victory after I. Konan put the Elephants ahead in the 29th minute.
The game swung Algeria’s way shortly before half-time when N. Ouédraogo was shown a red card, leaving Ivory Coast with 10 players.
Algeria made the numerical advantage count after the break.
I. Khiri came off the bench to equalise in the 59th minute before Ivory Coast missed a huge opportunity to retake the lead.
R. Elloh failed to convert a 62nd-minute penalty, and Algeria struck two minutes later.
A. Braham completed the comeback in the 64th minute after being set up by M. Dafeur.
Algeria survived Ivory Coast’s late pressure to reach the last four and claim a historic 2027 Women’s World Cup ticket.
Morocco send South Africa packing
Hosts Morocco also secured their semi-final place after overcoming South Africa 2-1.
Hanan Ait El Haj doubled Morocco’s advantage from the penalty spot in the 51st minute after the hosts had opened the scoring earlier.
South Africa responded through Thembi Kgatlana, who pulled one back in the 67th minute.
The defending champions pushed for an equaliser but Morocco held firm to keep their title dream alive.
The result also sends the Atlas Lionesses to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
WAFCON 2026 Results
Algeria 2-1 Ivory Coast
Morocco 2-1 South Africa
Semi-finalists: Algeria, Morocco
World Cup qualifiers: Algeria, Morocco
