Algeria produced a remarkable comeback in Casablanca on Saturday, defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 to reach the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-finals for the first time and secure qualification for the World Cup.
The Ivorians took control early in the quarter-final when Ines Konan put them ahead in the 29th minute.
Their task became more difficult before half-time, however, when 18-year-old N’Sira Ouedraogo was sent off, leaving Ivory Coast with 10 players for the remainder of the contest.
Algeria took advantage of the numerical advantage after the break, turning the match around with two goals in the space of six minutes.
Substitute Ines Khiri brought Algeria level before Amira Braham completed the comeback shortly after the hour mark to put the North Africans ahead.
Ivory Coast had an opportunity to restore parity between the two Algerian goals, but Rebecca Elloh struck the post from the penalty spot.
The sending-off of Ouedraogo proved a decisive moment in the match. After struggling to create significant attacking opportunities during the opening 45 minutes, Algeria took control following the interval and created several chances.
The victory marked a historic achievement for Algeria, who will now contest their first-ever WAFCON semi-final.
The result also secures Algeria’s place at the upcoming 32-nation Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the tournament draw scheduled for next year.
Algeria will face the winner of Sunday’s quarter-final between Malawi and Ghana in the semi-finals.
WAFCON Quarter-finals Continue
The remaining quarter-final fixtures promise more high-profile encounters as the tournament enters its decisive stage.
Hosts Morocco will face South Africa in the second quarter-final in Rabat later on Saturday.
On Sunday, defending champions Nigeria will meet Cameroon, while Ghana will take on surprise quarter-finalists Malawi.
For Algeria, however, the focus now turns to an unprecedented semi-final appearance after a dramatic comeback that transformed a difficult quarter-final into one of the biggest moments in the country’s women’s football history.
