Algeria and Morocco Secure Spots at FIFA Women's World Cup 2027
Short overview
Algeria and Morocco have become the first African nations to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027, following their quarter-final victories at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Algeria and Morocco have made history by becoming the first African nations to secure their places at the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027™. The two North African teams earned their spots after winning their quarter-final matches at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on the same day.
Algeria's Comeback Victory
Algeria secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade Larbi-Zaouli in Casablanca. Côte d'Ivoire took the lead in the 30th minute when Ines Konan bundled the ball home from close range. However, the match turned just before halftime when N'Sira Ouedraogo was shown a red card for a high boot on goalkeeper Chloe N'gazi.
In the second half, Algeria capitalized on their numerical advantage. Substitute Ines Khiri leveled the score in the 58th minute with a stunning looping shot over goalkeeper Aramatou Diakite. Six minutes later, Amira Braham completed the fightback with a long-range effort into the bottom-right corner.
Morocco Holds Off South Africa
Morocco also advanced with a 2-1 victory over South Africa at the Stade Al Medina in Rabat. Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a first-time lobbed effort over Kaylin Swart. Hanane Ait El Haj doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 51st minute after Noxolo Cesane fouled Ghizlane Chebbak. Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back for South Africa in the 67th minute, but Morocco held on to secure their second consecutive World Cup appearance.
Remaining Qualifiers and Play-Offs
The other quarter-final matches, featuring Cameroon, Nigeria, Malawi, and Ghana, will take place on 9 August. The winners of those matches will join Algeria and Morocco at the World Cup. Côte d'Ivoire and South Africa still have a chance to qualify through the FIFA Play-Off Tournament. They will face each other in a play-off on 13 August, with the winner advancing to the global finals, along with one of the other two defeated quarter-finalists.
Algeria's qualification marks their first-ever appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup, while Morocco will be making their second appearance after debuting in 2023.
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