By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Algeria produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat 10-woman Ivory Coast 2-1 on Saturday, securing a historic place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Algerians overturned a first-half deficit in Casablanca after Ivory Coast had taken control early in the quarter-final and went ahead through Inès Konan in the 29th minute.

Konan reacted quickest inside the area after the Ivorian attack had created danger around the Algerian defence, giving the Elephants a deserved lead following a lively opening spell.

Ivory Coast, however, suffered a major setback shortly before half-time when Nsira Ouedraogo was sent off in the 42nd minute, leaving the Elephants to play the remainder of the contest with 10 players.

Despite the dismissal, Ivory Coast managed to preserve their 1-0 advantage until the interval, setting up what appeared to be a difficult second half for Algeria.

Algeria responded decisively after the restart, with coach Farid Benstiti introducing Inès Khiri at half-time. The substitute quickly justified her introduction, producing an impressive finish to level the contest in the 59th minute.

The momentum then swung dramatically in Algeria’s favour.

Ivory Coast had a golden opportunity to regain the lead after being awarded a penalty, but Rebecca Elloh failed to convert from the spot, with her effort striking the post after Algerian goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi went the right way.

Algeria immediately punished the missed opportunity.

Five minutes after Khiri’s equaliser, Marine Dafeur created the opening for Amira Ould Braham, who fired home from the edge of the area to complete Algeria’s comeback and put the North Africans 2-1 ahead in the 64th minute.

Ivory Coast refused to surrender and pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages. Algeria’s defence was forced to withstand sustained pressure, while N’Gazi made important interventions to protect her side’s advantage.

The Elephants ultimately could not find a second goal as Algeria held on to secure a historic victory.

The result marks the first time Algeria have reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The achievement also carries enormous significance beyond the continental tournament, as Algeria’s progression into the last four automatically guarantees the team a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The qualification represents another landmark for Algerian women’s football, with the team achieving its first-ever WAFCON semi-final appearance and first qualification for the Women’s World Cup in the same campaign.

Algeria will now face the winner of the quarter-final between Malawi and Ghana for a place in the WAFCON final.