Algeria reached the semi finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 (WAFCON) after a 2-1 comeback win over Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday, Trybal News reports.
The result also means the Fennecs have qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil for the first time in their history.
Côte d’Ivoire took the lead through Ines Konan in the first half. Algeria, however, responded after the break with goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham.
The victory also avenged Algeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Ghana at the same stage of the previous edition. It also underlined the progress Farid Benstiti’s team has made over the past three years.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the defeat ended a promising return to the continental finals. The Lady Elephants had returned after a 12 year absence and showed clear signs of a new generation emerging in Ivorian women’s football.
Algeria turn the game around
The quarter final brought together two teams with very different strengths.
Algeria had conceded only once before the match. Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, had scored eight goals during the group stage and entered the contest among the tournament’s most dangerous attacking sides.
The Ivorians started with greater attacking intent. They pressed high and looked to use their pace, while Algeria stayed compact and waited for chances to counter.
Algeria suffered an early setback when Morgane Ikene left the pitch with an injury after 20 minutes. Morgane Belkhiter came on to replace her.
The change did not stop Côte d’Ivoire’s momentum.
After sustained pressure, the Lady Elephants opened the scoring in the 30th minute. Konan finished well to give Reynald Pedros’ side a 1-0 lead.
Côte d’Ivoire then suffered a major blow before half-time. Habibou Ouedraogo received a red card, leaving the Ivorians with 10 players for the entire second half.
That dismissal changed the game.
Algeria returned from the break with greater purpose. Benstiti introduced Ikram Adjabi and Khiri to add fresh energy to the attack.
The changes soon paid off.
Khiri equalised 13 minutes into the second half. Her goal brought Algeria level and shifted the momentum firmly towards the Fennecs.
Côte d’Ivoire then had a huge chance to regain the lead after winning a penalty.
Rebecca Elloh stepped up to take the spot kick, but she failed to convert. Algeria survived a crucial moment and quickly made the Ivorians pay.
Just two minutes later, Algeria completed the comeback.
Marine Dafeur supplied the assist for Amira Ould Braham, who calmly finished in the 64th minute to put the Fennecs ahead.
Côte d’Ivoire pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Lady Elephants created pressure during the closing stages.
Algeria, however, defended with discipline.
Goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi commanded her defence as the Fennecs dealt with the late attacks. The back line also stayed organised and cleared several dangerous situations.
Algeria managed the final minutes well. Tactical substitutions helped break up Côte d’Ivoire’s rhythm and protect the narrow advantage.
When the referee blew the final whistle, Algeria celebrated a historic semi final place.
The achievement marks the first time the Fennecs have reached the Women’s AFCON semi finals. It also keeps their World Cup dream firmly alive.
Benstiti had spoken before the match about the importance of representing Algeria. Many of his players have family ties to both North Africa and Europe.
The coach also believed his team had improved throughout the tournament. His players backed that confidence with another display of resilience and tactical maturity.
The Fennecs will also enter the semi finals with growing belief. Their campaign has featured defensive strength, discipline and an improving attacking threat.
For Côte d’Ivoire, elimination ends an encouraging tournament. Their return after 12 years produced plenty of attacking flair and highlighted a group of young players with the potential to become major forces in African women’s football.
Algeria, meanwhile, continue to make history. Their rise under Benstiti has gathered pace, and both a first Women’s AFCON final appearance and a maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification are now within reach.
