Algeria Beats Morocco in Women's AFCON Third-Place Match

Algeria produced a surprise result on Saturday, defeating Morocco on penalties in the third-place match of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2026, following a dramatic and unpredictable finish to the game.

The match reached a decisive moment in the 97th minute, when a missed penalty prevented one of the sides from taking a potentially winning lead in the closing stages of extra time. With scores level after the additional period, the outcome had to be settled through a penalty shootout.

Algeria ultimately proved more composed from the spot, converting enough of their attempts to edge out Morocco and claim third place in the competition. Morocco, who had reportedly been favoured to win the match, were left to settle for fourth.

Reports described the encounter as having a 'completely crazy' scenario, highlighting the twists and turns that defined the closing minutes, from the missed penalty to the tension of the ensuing shootout.

For the Algerian squad, the match represented their final fixture of the tournament, and players were noted for their strong remobilization — a renewed sense of focus and determination — in the concluding stages of the competition. This late surge in effort appeared decisive in securing the shootout win.

The Women's Africa Cup of Nations remains one of the most significant tournaments for women's national football on the continent, showcasing the growing competitiveness and quality of the sport across Africa. A third-place finish, while not a title, is nonetheless regarded as a notable achievement, reflecting the team's resilience across the course of the tournament.

While full details of the shootout and the broader tournament results were not extensively covered in the available report, the outcome of this particular match underscored the unpredictability often associated with knockout football, where fine margins — such as a single missed penalty — can shape the final standings.