Morocco and Algeria One Win Away from an Explosive Final in Rabat
A Morocco-Algeria final for the African title? That scenario is now possible. Having qualified for the semi-finals of the Women’s AFCON on Saturday, the two national teams are in opposite halves of the bracket and can now meet only in the final match.
Morocco secured its place by defeating South Africa (2-1) in Rabat. Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring before Hanane Aït El Haj doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Algeria won by the same score against Côte d’Ivoire in Casablanca, after having nevertheless fallen behind.
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These two victories also guarantee both national teams a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Morocco will take part for the second consecutive time. For Algeria, which is also reaching the Women’s AFCON semi-finals for the first time, the qualification is historic.
The bracket now presents two final obstacles. On Wednesday, August 12, Morocco will face the winner of Cameroon-Nigeria, while Algeria will take on the winner of Malawi-Ghana. Both matches will be played in Rabat. According to the CAF schedule, the final will be played on Sunday, August 16, also in the capital.
A rematch between Morocco and Algeria?
If both teams get through the semi-finals, this final would also have the air of a rematch. The Moroccan and Algerian teams already faced each other on July 30 during the group stage. The Atlas Lionesses won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Sanaa Mssoudy in the 84th minute.
Since that fiercely contested derby, the two neighbors have continued their campaigns. Morocco, finalist in the last two editions, is still seeking its first continental title, this time at home. Algeria is already achieving the best run in its history in the competition.
The road nevertheless remains difficult. Morocco could notably have to eliminate Nigeria, the defending champion and the most successful nation in African women’s football. Algeria, too, will have to get through an unprecedented semi-final to reach the final match.
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Two victories would now be enough to bring a rare fixture to Rabat: Morocco-Algeria on August 16, with the African champion’s title at stake.
