Hosts Morocco edged Algeria 1-0 in a tightly contested Group A encounter at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Thursday, with Sanaa Massoudi’s second-half strike proving the difference.
The North African rivals were locked in a goalless battle for much of the match, with both teams cancelling each other out in a disciplined tactical contest. Morocco created the better opportunities but found Algeria’s defence difficult to break down.
The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when Massoudi finished clinically to give the Atlas Lionesses the breakthrough and spark celebrations among the home supporters.
Morocco successfully protected its slender lead for the remainder of the match to claim a hard-fought victory and move a step closer to securing a place in the quarterfinals. The result strengthens Jorge Vilda’s side’s position in Group A as they continue their campaign on home soil.
The Atlas Lionesses will now turn their attention to their next group-stage fixture against Senegal, aiming to build on the confidence gained from the derby triumph.
