Algeria Rally to Beat Ivory Coast 2-1 and Reach WAFCON Semi-Finals

Posted : 10 August 2026

Algeria's Fennecs fought back from a goal down to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in Casablanca on Saturday. The victory sent Algeria into the semi-finals and kept their hopes of winning a maiden continental title alive.

Ivory Coast made the stronger start and deservedly took the lead in the 29th minute. Inès Konan finished a promising attacking move to give the Elephants a 1-0 advantage.

The balance of the match changed shortly before half-time when N. Ouédraogo was shown a red card in the 42nd minute. Ivory Coast were forced to play the remainder of the contest with 10 players, giving Algeria a significant numerical advantage.

Algeria used that advantage effectively after the interval. Substitute I. Khiri, introduced at half-time, levelled the contest in the 59th minute as the Fennecs increased the pressure on the Ivory Coast defence.

The Elephants were handed a major opportunity to regain the lead three minutes later. R. Elloh stepped up for a penalty in the 62nd minute but failed to convert, allowing Algeria to escape a crucial moment.

Algeria punished the miss almost immediately. A. Braham completed the turnaround in the 64th minute after being set up by M. Dafeur, putting the Fennecs 2-1 ahead.

Ivory Coast pushed forward during the closing stages in search of an equaliser. Algeria remained organised and resisted the pressure to protect their advantage and complete a memorable comeback.

The result ends an encouraging WAFCON campaign for Ivory Coast. The Elephants were competing at the tournament for the first time since 2014 and had made a strong return by topping Group B.

Ivory Coast's group campaign included victories over Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Their quarter-final appearance represented significant progress after missing the previous three editions of the continental championship.

For Algeria, the victory provides another opportunity to challenge for their first WAFCON title. The Fennecs will now prepare for the semi-finals, where they will face another major test in their pursuit of continental glory.

The comeback also underlines Algeria's resilience in a tournament where the knockout stage has already produced dramatic results. Their ability to take advantage of Ivory Coast's numerical disadvantage ultimately proved decisive.

Algeria Rally to Beat Ivory Coast 2-1 and Reach WAFCON Semi-Finals

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