Hosts Morocco strengthened their grip on Group A of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Algeria on Thursday night.
Sanaa Mssoudy scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute as the Atlas Lionesses finally broke down a disciplined Algerian defence in a tense Maghreb derby.
Both teams entered the contest with three points after winning their opening matches. Morocco had beaten Kenya 4-0, while Algeria began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Senegal.
The result moved Morocco to six points from two matches and left the tournament hosts in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Algeria, however, were left disappointed after frustrating Jorge Vilda’s side for long periods with a compact and organised defensive performance.
The opening half was closely contested, with both teams showing caution because of the importance of the fixture.
Morocco attempted to control possession and create space through midfield, but Algeria remained patient and denied the hosts clear scoring opportunities.
The physical nature of the contest resulted in several stoppages and bookings. Algeria’s Ikram Adjabi and Ines Belloumou were shown yellow cards, while Morocco defender Hanane Ait El Haj was also cautioned.
Neither side managed to break the deadlock before half-time, leaving the derby finely balanced at the interval.
Morocco increased their attacking intensity after the restart as they searched for a breakthrough, but Algeria continued to defend with discipline and limited space through the centre.
Vilda introduced Ibtissam Jraidi before bringing on experienced captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 70th minute to increase Morocco’s attacking threat.
The substitutions helped the hosts apply greater pressure as the match entered its closing stages.
Algeria coach Farid Benstiti also refreshed his side, introducing Boutaleb, Khiril, Bekhaled and Alaouache in an attempt to maintain their defensive organisation and energy.
With the match appearing to be heading towards a goalless draw, Mssoudy delivered the decisive moment in the 84th minute.
Her late strike sparked celebrations among the home supporters and rewarded Morocco for their sustained second-half pressure.
The Atlas Lionesses managed the remaining minutes effectively, resisting Algeria’s attempts to find an equaliser and securing their second consecutive victory of the tournament.
Morocco now sit in a commanding position in Group A, while Algeria will turn their attention to their final group match as they seek to secure a place in the knockout stages.
