Mssoudy’s 84th-minute goal proved decisive in a closely contested Maghreb clash that lived up to its billing. The forward, named Woman of the Match, struck late to give Morocco a hard-earned victory and six points from two matches.
Late Drama Decides Tight Contest
Both sides arrived with perfect records after Matchday 1. Morocco had opened with a commanding 4-0 win over Kenya, while Algeria defeated Senegal 2-0. The derby promised intensity, and the two teams largely cancelled each other out for long periods.
Possession was evenly shared and clear-cut chances were at a premium. Morocco created more attempts overall, but Algeria remained compact and dangerous on the break. The breakthrough finally arrived six minutes from time when Mssoudy found the net to spark celebrations among the home support.
The result leaves the hosts in a commanding position in Group A. Morocco need only a draw against Senegal on 3 August to secure progress to the knockout stages. Algeria, now on three points, face a tougher route after Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Kenya on the same day kept the West Africans firmly in contention.
Group A Picture Clarifies
| Team | Played | Points | GD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 2 | 6 | +5 |
| Senegal | 2 | 3 | -1 |
| Algeria | 2 | 3 | +1 |
| Kenya | 2 | 0 | -5 |
Morocco’s second successive clean sheet underlined their defensive solidity under the coaching staff, while Mssoudy’s contribution continued her strong start to the tournament following her earlier involvement in the win over Kenya.
Looking Ahead
The Atlas Lionesses will now prepare for their final group fixture against Senegal knowing a point will be enough to guarantee a place in the last eight. Algeria must regroup quickly and look for a positive result in their remaining match to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
Thursday’s derby delivered the drama expected of a Morocco-Algeria encounter and further underlined the hosts’ credentials as genuine contenders for the continental crown on home soil.