Morocco finished fourth at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after losing 3-2 on penalties to Algeria on Saturday, following a 1-1 draw in the bronze-medal match at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.
The Atlas Lionesses took the lead in the 37th minute through Kaoutar Azraf, who converted a pass from Hanane Aït El Haj after Morocco controlled much of the first half.
Algeria remained within reach, however, and Lina Boussaha equalized in the 83rd minute from Sofia Bekhaled’s assist, setting up a tense finish.
Morocco then had a chance to secure bronze in stoppage time after being awarded a penalty in the 97th minute, but Nouhaila Benzina failed to convert.
The match went directly to a shootout after ending 1-1, with Algeria prevailing 3-2 to claim third place.
Saturday’s meeting was the second between the North African rivals at this year’s tournament. Morocco had beaten Algeria 1-0 in the group stage on July 30.
The result also handed Morocco a second consecutive shootout defeat after Cameroon eliminated the hosts 3-1 on penalties in Wednesday’s semi-final. Algeria had reached the bronze match after losing 3-1 to Malawi.
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