Algeria defeats Morocco in CAN Women's 2026 third-place match after penalty shootout
Algeria secured third place in the CAN Women's 2026 tournament, defeating host nation Morocco 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. The match, held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, saw Morocco take the lead in the 37th minute with an 18-year-old Kautar Azraf goal, assisted by Hanane A茂t El Haj. Morocco dominated the first half with nearly 60% possession and fourteen shots. However, the second half saw a shift in momentum. A Moroccan goal by Maryam Atiq in the 48th minute was disallowed by VAR. Algeria then equalized in the 83rd minute through Lina Boussaha. In added time, Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 90th+7 minute, but Nouhaila Benzina's attempt was saved, leading to the penalty shootout. Algeria emerged victorious in the shootout, claiming their first-ever continental medal in the CAN Women's competition. This historic achievement follows their unprecedented qualification for the semifinals and a spot in the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. For Morocco, this marks a second penalty shootout disappointment in a few days, having lost their semifinal match to Cameroon in a similar fashion. Despite the loss, Morocco has also qualified for the 2027 World Cup. The tournament concludes on August 16 with the final between Cameroon and Malawi in Rabat.
