Morocco Edge Algeria in a tense WAFCON clash as Sanaa Mssoudy’s late goal sends the hosts into the quarter-finals of Africa’s women’s football showpiece

Morocco’s women’s national football team secured a place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-finals after defeating regional rivals Algeria 1-0 in a tightly contested Group-stage encounter at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Thursday.

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The decisive moment came in the 84th minute when Sanaa Mssoudy delivered a composed finish to break Algeria’s stubborn resistance and send the home supporters into celebration.

Morocco had controlled much of the match, but Algeria’s disciplined defensive structure frustrated the hosts for long periods.

The Algerian backline repeatedly blocked attempts on goal and limited Morocco’s attacking opportunities, with goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi rarely called into serious action before the late breakthrough.

The winning goal arrived after Algeria initially cleared a Moroccan corner. When the ball was sent back into the danger area, Mssoudy reacted quickly, controlling the delivery with her left foot before striking with her other foot to beat N’Gazi and settle a tense North African derby.

The 26-year-old forward, who plays for African champions AS FAR Rabat, has become one of Morocco’s key attacking figures and remains among the players hoping to secure the country’s first WAFCON title on home soil.

Morocco entered the tournament with added motivation after falling short in the previous two editions.

The hosts reached the final in both 2022 and 2024 but lost to South Africa and Nigeria respectively, with the 2024 defeat particularly painful after Morocco surrendered a two-goal advantage.

The victory over Algeria underlined Morocco’s resilience and strengthened their campaign as they continue their pursuit of continental glory.

Their opponents, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a performance built around defensive discipline but undone by one moment of attacking quality.

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With the quarter-final place secured, Morocco will now turn their attention towards the knockout stage as they aim to go one step further than their previous WAFCON campaigns and lift the trophy in front of their home fans.