The dramatic quarter-final victory at Moulay Rachid Stadium also moves Farid Benstiti’s side to within one win of qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Early Blow and a Costly Dismissal
Côte d’Ivoire, one of the most entertaining teams in the group stage, started brightly and took a deserved lead in the 30th minute through Inès Konan. The Lady Elephants looked set to build on their advantage until a moment of ill-discipline changed the contest.
Just before half-time, Habibou Ouédraogo was shown a red card, leaving Reynald Pedros’ side to play the entire second period with ten players. That numerical disadvantage proved decisive.
Algeria Take Control
Benstiti responded immediately after the restart, introducing fresh attacking options. The changes paid off in the 58th minute when Inès Khiri equalised to silence the Ivorian support.
Côte d’Ivoire were then handed a golden opportunity to regain the lead from the penalty spot, but Rebecca Elloh failed to convert. The miss proved extremely costly.
Only two minutes later, Algeria completed the turnaround. Marine Dafeur picked out Amira Ould Braham, who finished calmly in the 64th minute to put the North Africans ahead for the first time.
Defensive Resolve Seals Historic Win
Despite playing a man down, Côte d’Ivoire threw everything forward in the closing stages. Algeria’s organised defence and goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi stood firm, frustrating wave after wave of attacks until the final whistle.
The result marks a significant milestone for Algerian women’s football. After falling short in the previous edition, Benstiti’s side have shown clear progress in both organisation and attacking quality.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the exit ends a promising return to the continental stage after a 12-year absence. Their free-scoring group stage performances suggested a bright future, even if the quarter-final ultimately ended in disappointment.
Algeria now advance to the last four with growing belief, knowing a place at the 2027 World Cup is firmly within their grasp.