Morocco and Algeria secure historic World Cup qualification ahead of WAFCON semifinals
Both teams advanced to the semifinals of the Women’s Africa of Nations tournament, with Morocco defeating South Africa and Algeria overcoming the Ivory Coast in contrasting victories.
Morocco and Algeria have become the first teams from the African continent to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, following their respective victories in the Women’s Africa of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinals. The results from Rabat and Casablanca on Saturday mark a significant structural shift in the tournament’s historical landscape, as no North African nation has previously claimed the continental title since its inception in 1998.
In Rabat, Morocco defended a two-goal lead to defeat South Africa 2-1, advancing to the semifinals. Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring in the 31st minute, extending her tournament tally with a second goal. Hanane Ait El Haj doubled the advantage six minutes into the second half by converting a penalty. South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana reduced the deficit in the 67th minute, setting up a tense conclusion that Morocco successfully navigated to secure their place in the next round.
Algeria’s path to the semifinals in Casablanca involved a more volatile contest against the Ivory Coast. The North Africans fell behind in the 29th minute through Ines Konan before the match’s pivotal moment occurred just before half-time. Eighteen-year-old N’Sira Ouedraogo was sent off for kicking Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi in the face, reducing the Ivory Coast to ten players.
The numerical advantage allowed Algeria to seize control of the match. Substitute Ines Khiri and Amira Braham scored within a six-minute window around the hour mark to overturn the deficit. The Ivory Coast missed a critical opportunity to regain parity when Rebecca Elloh struck the post from a penalty kick during the interval between the Algerian goals.
The victories establish Morocco and Algeria as the first African nations to qualify for the 2027 World Cup. The tournament has historically been dominated by Nigeria, who hold 10 titles, with Equatorial Guinea winning twice and South Africa claiming the title once four years prior. Morocco finished as runners-up to South Africa in the previous edition.
In the semifinals scheduled for Wednesday, Morocco will face either Nigeria or Cameroon, while Algeria is set to play either Ghana or Malawi. The results underscore a changing dynamic in African women’s football, challenging the traditional hegemony of West African powers and positioning North African teams as central contenders in the continental governance of the sport.
