Algeria wrote a new chapter in their football history on Saturday, edging out hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to claim bronze at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 in Rabat. It is the first time in the tournament's history that Algeria have finished on the podium.
A Bittersweet Path to the Podium
The bronze medal offered a measure of redemption for Algeria, who had been eliminated at the semi-final stage by Malawi. Rather than let that disappointment define their tournament, the North Africans regrouped for the third-place playoff and produced a performance strong enough to deny the host nation a place on the podium in front of their own fans.
Morocco Threaten Early
Morocco started the third-place match with intent and were unlucky not to lead within the first quarter of an hour. In the 17th minute, Ibtissam Jraidi struck a first-time effort that cannoned off the crossbar, a warning sign of the pressure the hosts were about to apply.
That pressure eventually told in the 37th minute, Kautar Azraf produced a moment of real quality, beating her marker with clever footwork before shifting the ball onto her left foot and curling a finish into the far corner to send the home crowd into celebration and put Morocco 1-0 ahead.
Azraf almost turned provider for herself again soon after, connecting with a volley that appeared destined for goal before an awkward bounce took the sting out of the effort, allowing the Algerian defence to scramble the danger clear. Morocco continued to look the more threatening side.
Algeria Respond and Force the Shootout
Rather than wilt under Morocco's pressure, Algeria emerged for the second half with renewed energy and a clear intent to get back into the match. They gradually wrestled control away from the hosts and built sustained spells of pressure on the Moroccan goal. That persistence eventually broke Morocco's resistance, as Algeria found an equalizer to level the score at 1-1 and push the contest into a penalty shootout.
Nerves of Steel From the Spot
With the bronze medal on the line, it was Algeria who held their composure when it mattered most. The shootout swung their way 3-2, sealing a result that will be remembered as a landmark moment for Algerian women's football — their first-ever podium finish at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
For a Moroccan side hoping to celebrate success on home soil, the defeat will sting, particularly after leading for large parts of the match. But for Algeria, the outcome caps a campaign that ended not with the disappointment of a semi-final exit, but with history made in Rabat.
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