Sanaa Massoudi’s second-half strike earned hosts Morocco a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Algeria in a fiercely contested Group A clash at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), strengthening the Atlas Lionesses’ hopes of reaching the quarterfinals.
The North African derby lived up to expectations, with both sides producing a disciplined defensive display that kept the match scoreless for much of the contest. Morocco enjoyed the greater share of possession and fashioned the better chances but found Algeria’s well-organised backline difficult to break down.
After sustained pressure, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 77th minute when Sanaa Massoudi finished clinically to send the home crowd into celebration and hand Morocco a deserved lead.
Algeria searched for a late equaliser but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, allowing the Atlas Lionesses to comfortably see out the remaining minutes and secure a valuable three points.
The victory significantly boosts Morocco’s chances of progressing to the knockout stages as Jorge Vilda’s side continues its quest for continental glory on home soil.
Morocco will now shift its focus to its final Group A fixture against Senegal, knowing another positive result could secure a place in the WAFCON quarterfinals.
