Morocco, Algeria reach 2026 WAFCON quarter-finals from Group A

Morocco and Algeria booked their places in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after contrasting results in the final round of Group A matches.

Hosts Morocco secured a place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals despite being held to a goalless draw by Senegal in Rabat.

The Atlas Lionesses finished the group stage unbeaten, although they were left frustrated after Yasmin Mrabet missed two penalty attempts, both denied by outstanding Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye.

Ndiaye produced a series of crucial saves to keep Morocco at bay throughout a tense encounter. Senegal needed victory to stay in contention but could not find the breakthrough, with their campaign ending despite a disciplined defensive display against the tournament hosts.

Algeria joined Morocco in the knockout stage after defeating Kenya 2-0. Early goals from Marine Dafeur and Lynda Bendris secured maximum points, while Kenya exited the competition without registering a point or scoring a goal on their return to the continental tournament after a decade away.

Morocco will face the Group B runners-up in the quarter-finals, while Algeria have earned a meeting with the Group B winners.

The expanded 16-team tournament is also serving as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.