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Algeria fight back to end Côte d'Ivoire's Wafcon dream

football08 August 2026 20:00| © CAF Online
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Algeria produced another composed and resilient performance to come from behind and defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 on Saturday, securing a historic place in the semifinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 and moving within one victory of qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

After falling behind to an Ines Konan goal midway through the first half, the North Africans responded superbly after the break through strikes from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham to complete a memorable comeback in the tournament's opening quarterfinal.

The victory also represented sweet revenge for Algeria after their penalty shoot-out defeat to Ghana at the same stage of the previous edition, confirming the remarkable progress made by Farid Benstiti's side over the past three years.

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For Ivory Coast, whose return to the continental finals had captured the imagination of supporters after a 12-year absence, the defeat ended an encouraging campaign that nevertheless signalled the emergence of another exciting generation of Ivorian women's footballers.

IVORY COAST STRIKE FIRST

The quarterfinal had been billed as a fascinating contest between Algeria's outstanding defensive organisation and Ivory Coast's free-scoring attack.

Before kick-off, Algeria had conceded only once in the tournament, while the Lady Elephants had emerged as one of the competition's most entertaining attacking sides after scoring eight goals during the group stage.

The opening exchanges reflected that contrast.

Ivory Coast looked to press aggressively and attack with pace, while Algeria remained patient, compact and disciplined, waiting for opportunities to exploit spaces on the counter.

An early setback arrived for Algeria after Morgane Ikene was forced off through injury, with Morgane Belkhiter replacing her after just 20 minutes.

The disruption did little to slow the Ivorians.

After sustained pressure, Ivory Coast deservedly took the lead in the 30th minute when Ines Konan finished confidently to spark celebrations among the travelling supporters.

Their advantage, however, was quickly complicated when Habibou Ouedraogo received a red card shortly before the interval, leaving Reynald Pedros' side to contest the entire second half with ten players.

The dismissal proved to be one of the defining moments of the match.

ALGERIA SEIZE CONTROL AFTER THE BREAK

Knowing they held both the numerical advantage and the momentum, Benstiti reshuffled his attack immediately after the restart.

The introduction of Ikram Adjabi and Ines Khiri injected fresh energy into Algeria's forward line, and the tactical adjustment produced an immediate reward.

Just 13 minutes into the second half, Khiri found the equaliser to bring Algeria level and completely change the complexion of the contest.

Moments later, Ivory Coast had the perfect opportunity to restore their advantage after being awarded a penalty.

Rebecca Elloh stepped forward, but her effort failed to find the net, handing Algeria a huge reprieve at one of the most critical moments of the match.

That miss proved costly.

Only two minutes later, Algeria punished the Ivorians in devastating fashion.

Marine Dafeur delivered an intelligent assist into the path of Amira Ould Braham, who finished calmly in the 64th minute to complete the turnaround and hand Algeria the lead for the first time.

Suddenly, the side renowned for its defensive discipline had shown its growing attacking quality as well.

DEFENCE DELIVERS AGAIN

Ivory Coast threw everything forward during the closing stages despite playing with ten women.

Pedros introduced fresh attacking options as the Lady Elephants searched desperately for an equaliser that would force extra time.

But Algeria once again demonstrated why they have become one of the tournament's most difficult teams to break down.

Goalkeeper Chloé N'Gazi marshalled her defence with authority, while the experienced back line repelled wave after wave of Ivorian attacks.

The North Africans also managed the closing minutes intelligently, making tactical substitutions to disrupt Ivory Coast's rhythm and preserve their advantage.

When the final whistle sounded, Algeria's players celebrated reaching the Women's Africa Cup of Nations semifinals for the first time in their history, capping another landmark achievement in the country's impressive resurgence.

WORLD CUP DREAM EDGES CLOSER

Before the match, Benstiti had spoken passionately about what representing Algeria meant to his players, many of whom have family roots spanning both North Africa and Europe.

The coach insisted his squad had grown stronger with every match at the tournament and believed they were now ready to go beyond last year's quarterfinal disappointment.

His players delivered exactly that.

Having built their campaign on defensive solidity, Algeria also showed resilience, tactical maturity and attacking quality when faced with adversity.

The Fennecs now move into the semifinals carrying enormous confidence and knowing they stand just one victory away from securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

For Ivory Coast, the disappointment of elimination will be softened by the progress made throughout the tournament.

After returning to the Women's AFCON following a lengthy absence, the Lady Elephants demonstrated attacking flair, youthful promise and the potential to become one of the continent's rising forces in the years ahead.

For Algeria, however, history continues to be written. The Fennecs' remarkable rise under Benstiti shows no signs of slowing, and their dream of reaching both a first Women's AFCON final and a maiden FIFA Women's World Cup remains firmly alive.

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