Algeria won the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time in their history, defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final held in Rabat on August 8, 2026. The victory marks a significant milestone for Algerian women's football and is seen as a symbol of a shifting balance of power in African football.
The match, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, saw Algeria take an early lead through a goal from midfielder Amina Bouazza in the 23rd minute. Morocco equalized just before halftime with a header from defender Salma Amani, but Algeria's forward Imane Chebbak scored the decisive goal in the 67th minute, securing the title.
Algeria's triumph is particularly notable as they became the first North African team other than Morocco to win the women's continental championship. The team, coached by French-Algerian manager Farid Benstiti, had previously never advanced beyond the group stage in WAFCON history.
The victory has sparked celebrations across Algeria and is being hailed as a breakthrough for women's sports in the region. Analysts suggest that increased investment in women's football infrastructure and youth development programs in Algeria have contributed to this success.
Morocco, who had won the previous edition in 2022, were aiming for a second consecutive title but were denied by a resilient Algerian side. The tournament, which expanded to 12 teams for the first time, also saw debutants like Senegal and Tanzania reach the quarterfinals, highlighting the growing competitiveness of women's football in Africa.
