Women's AFCON 2026: Algeria and Morocco qualify for the semifinals

Algeria comes from behind against Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire - Algeria is the first match-up of the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women's AFCON. At the Moulay Rachid stadium in Casablanca, the Algerian team was stunning. Trailing, they put in a great performance in the second half by scoring two goals, helped by two blunders from the Ivorian goalkeeper, Diakité Aramatou. They won 2-1.

A very bitter elimination for Côte d'Ivoire. In the 30th minute, Inès Konan opened the scoring for the Elephantes. Dominant in play, they were reduced to 10 after Safi Ouédraogo received a red card. Outnumbered, the Ivorian team could not hold on to their lead until the end. In the 58th minute, Algeria equalized through Inès Khiri. The turning point of the match was the penalty missed by the Elephantes in the 60th minute after a superb save by Chloé N'gazi. Three minutes later, the Algerians scored the second goal; a finish by Amira Ould Braham. The Greens kept this advantage until the final whistle despite the pressure from the Ivorians in the final seconds.

In the semi-finals, Algeria will face the winner of the Malawi - Ghana match, on August 12 at 5pm GMT at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

Morocco knocks out South Africa

At the Moulay El Hassan stadium in Rabat, Morocco continued its unbeaten run at the 2026 Women's AFCON. Even better, the Lionesses of the Atlas totally controlled the Banyana Banyana throughout the 90 minutes. They won by a score of two goals to one.

In this quarter-final encounter, Morocco played with experience. The Moroccan team was dominant in every aspect. The Lionesses of the Atlas were able to score two goals thanks to Ouzraoui (31st) and Haj from the penalty spot (51st). The goal that brought the Banyana Banyana back into the game in the 67th minute, scored by Kgatlana, was not enough. That goal brought the game back to life. But, the South Africans could not find a way to hit the back of the net a second time. Their journey ends here.

In the semi-finals, Morocco will face the winner of the clash between Cameroon and Nigeria, the defending champion. This will be on August 12 at the Moulay El Hassan stadium in Rabat for a spot in the 2026 Women's AFCON final.