Morocco and Algeria both reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on contrasting terms.
One built a lead and held on, the other fought back from behind, keeping alive the chance of a first-ever North African champion in the tournament’s history.
Morocco hold off South Africa in Rabat
Morocco led 2-0 before surviving a late South African surge to win 2-1 in Rabat.
Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring in the 31st minute, her second goal of the tournament. Hanane Ait El Haj doubled the lead early in the second half, converting a penalty six minutes after the restart.
South African star Thembi Kgatlana pulled a goal back in the 67th minute, setting up a nervy finish, but Morocco’s defence held firm to close out the win.
It’s a repeat quarter-final performance for Morocco, who finished runners-up to South Africa four years ago.
Algeria turn the Game around in Casablanca
Algeria’s path was messier. Côte d’Ivoire took the lead through Ines Konan in the 29th minute and looked in control, until a red card changed everything.
Just before halftime, 18-year-old N’Sira Ouedraogo was sent off for kicking Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi in the face, reducing Côte d’Ivoire to 10 players. The dismissal proved decisive.
Algeria struggled to create chances in the first half but took control after the break. Substitute Ines Khiri equalised, and Amira Braham scored the winner six minutes later, completing a two-goal turnaround either side of the hour mark.
In between, Côte d’Ivoire’s Rebecca Elloh hit the post from a penalty, a missed chance to reclaim the lead that might have changed the outcome.
Algeria held on for a 2-1 win, advancing despite creating enough second-half chances to have won by a wider margin.
What’s next?
Morocco face either defending champions Nigeria or Cameroon in the semi-finals on Wednesday. Algeria take on Ghana or tournament surprise package Malawi.
A North African nation has never won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria dominates the tournament’s history with 10 titles since it began in 1998, with only Equatorial Guinea (twice) and South Africa (once) breaking their hold on the trophy.