Morocco women’s Africa Cup of Nations hosts edge Algeria to stay top of Group A

Morocco women’s Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco secured a 1-0 victory over Algeria in their Group A second-round match on Thursday evening at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, extending their perfect start to the tournament and remaining at the top of the standings.

The opening stages were defined by caution as both teams focused on defensive organization to avoid conceding an early goal. Morocco gradually assumed control, building structured attacks through the wings and attempting to create openings in Algeria’s defensive line.

The side coached by Jorge Vilda relied on Sakina Ouzraoui on the right flank and Sanaa Mssoudy on the left to stretch the Algerian defense. In midfield, Yasmine Mrabet, Kautar Azraf and Elodie Nakkach controlled possession, recovered the ball quickly and launched attacking moves.

Morocco created the first clear opportunity in the 17th minute. A set piece delivered by Kautar Azraf found Nouhaila Benzina, whose header narrowly missed the target.

Backed by strong home support, the Atlas Lionesses maintained control of the match. Algeria registered its first attempt only in the 37th minute with a long-range effort that posed no threat to goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. The first half ended without goals.

Morocco increased the pressure after the break, with Zineb Redouani and Ibtissam Jraidi leading repeated attacks in search of the breakthrough.

The introduction of captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 70th minute added fresh momentum to Morocco’s attacking play. Five minutes later, Sanaa Mssoudy came close with a header from a Chebbak set piece, but Algeria goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi made the save.

The decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute when Sanaa Mssoudy found the net to secure Morocco’s second consecutive victory in the competition.

After two rounds, Morocco leads Group A with six points. Algeria and Senegal each have three points, while Kenya remains without a point.