WAFCON 2026: Morocco beat Algeria late to seize Group A control
Sanaâ Mssoudy struck six minutes from time as hosts Morocco edged fierce North African rivals Algeria 1-0 on Thursday to maintain their perfect start to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and move clear at the top of Group A.
With the derby seemingly heading for a stalemate, Mssoudy delivered the breakthrough in the 84th minute at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium. After Algeria failed to clear a free-kick, the forward calmly brought down a cross, rounded goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi and slotted into an empty net to ignite celebrations among the home fans.
It was a deserved reward for Morocco, who gradually took control after the interval but were repeatedly frustrated by an organised Algerian defence that had looked capable of extending its impressive run without conceding.
The first half produced few clear-cut opportunities as both sides cancelled each other out in a physical, tactical contest between two teams that had opened the tournament with victories. Morocco entered the match fresh from a commanding 4-0 win over Kenya, while Algeria had begun their campaign with a 2-0 success over Senegal.
Morocco eventually found the decisive moment through Mssoudy, ending N’Gazi’s run of five consecutive WAFCON clean sheets. The Atlas Lionesses, meanwhile, remain yet to concede in the tournament after recording back-to-back shutouts.
The victory sends Jorge Vilda’s side to the summit of Group A with six points and a 5-0 goal difference after two matches. Algeria stay on three points alongside Senegal, who defeated Kenya 1-0 earlier on Thursday, while Kenya remain without a point.
The group will be decided on Monday, with Morocco taking on Senegal and Algeria facing Kenya. The top two teams progress to the quarter-finals of the expanded 16-team tournament.
Mssoudy was deservedly named Player of the Match after producing the moment that settled a fiercely contested derby and strengthened Morocco’s growing belief that they can lift a first WAFCON title on home soil.
