Reynald Pedros has described Algeria as the most impressive side at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 ahead of Cote d’Ivoire’s quarter-final against them on Saturday, 8 August.
The Cote d’Ivoire head coach said his team would have a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals if they could reproduce the best parts of their performance against reigning African champions South Africa.
“Algeria are the best team; they are the side playing the best football in this tournament. If we reproduce the 70 minutes against South Africa, we will have our chances of qualifying,” said the French coach at his pre-match news conference.
Pedros was referring to Cote d’Ivoire’s final group match, when the Elephantes drew 2-2 with South Africa. That result completed an unbeaten Group B campaign and ensured Cote d’Ivoire finished top of the section.
The Elephantes had begun the tournament with a 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso before beating Tanzania 2-1. Their draw with South Africa followed, leaving them with the strongest record in Group B and setting up a last-eight meeting with Algeria.
Algeria reached the quarter-finals after an impressive Group A campaign of their own. They recorded two victories and finished second in the section, although their progress was confirmed after a narrow 1-0 defeat by Morocco.
The meeting promises to be one of the most significant matches of the tournament for both teams. The immediate reward is a place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, but the stakes extend beyond the continental competition.
The winner will also secure direct qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The tournament’s four semi-finalists are guaranteed places at the global finals, meaning Saturday’s quarter-final represents a decisive opportunity for both Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria.
Pedros therefore enters the contest with respect for Algeria but also confidence in his own side’s progress. Cote d’Ivoire have already shown their ability to score freely, overcoming Burkina Faso and Tanzania, while their performance against South Africa provided evidence that they can compete with one of the tournament’s leading teams.
However, the coach’s assessment makes clear that he expects Algeria to pose the toughest challenge yet. His message to the Elephantes is that the level they produced for 70 minutes against South Africa must be maintained if they are to overcome Algeria and advance to the semi-finals.
With a place in the last four and qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup at stake, the quarter-final will determine which of the two teams remains in contention for both continental honours and a place on the world stage.
