Algeria will attempt to secure the first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations medal in their history when they face hosts Morocco in Saturday’s third-place play-off.
The Vertes have already made history by reaching the semi-finals of the competition for the first time and qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. However, Lina Boussaha and her team-mates are determined to finish their campaign with a tangible reward.
Speaking at a news conference before the north African derby, Boussaha underlined the significance of the match and the opportunity it presents to the Algeria women’s national team.
“It is simply about entering the history of the national team and bringing a bronze medal to the people. That would be a wonderful reward for everything we have achieved together over the past three years and a very special way to finish the competition,” said the Algeria international.
The match carries importance well beyond that of a conventional third-place play-off. Algeria have never previously won a medal at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, meaning victory over their neighbours would give this generation a unique place in the country’s football history.
The Vertes were beaten 3-1 by Malawi in the semi-finals, ending their hopes of reaching the final. They will now look to respond by claiming the bronze medal and bringing their breakthrough tournament to a memorable conclusion.
Morocco provide a familiar and formidable opponent. The two sides met during the group stage, when the Lionesses of the Atlas secured a 1-0 victory with a late goal.
Morocco, who have played in the previous two continental finals, will also be motivated to avoid finishing fourth on home soil. Their own semi-final ended in a painful defeat by Cameroon, with the tie decided on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
For Algeria, however, the occasion represents another chance to underline the scale of their progress. Their qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup has already marked a major achievement, but a medal against Morocco would add further significance to a campaign that has established new possibilities for the team.
The prospect of claiming bronze in a derby makes the contest particularly symbolic. Algeria’s first appearance in the competition’s last four has already transformed the tournament for the Vertes; a win at the expense of their neighbours would ensure they leave with the country’s first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations medal.
The third-place match therefore offers both teams something substantial to play for. Morocco are seeking to avoid a disappointing finish in front of their home supporters, while Algeria are aiming to cap a historic campaign by entering the competition’s record books.
