Rabat – Morocco and Algeria will meet Saturday in the third-place match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with the bronze medal at stake.
The match will take place at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat at 6 p.m. Morocco time.
Both teams missed out on the final after losing their semi-finals. Morocco drew 0-0 with Cameroon before losing 3-1 on penalties. Algeria lost 3-1 to Malawi.
The derby gives both sides a chance to end their tournament on a positive note.
Several players could have a major impact on the result.
Morocco
Ghizlane Chebbak
Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak will be one of the main players to watch.
The midfielder is the team’s main creative force. She helps Morocco control the game and create chances.
Her passing and experience will be important against Algeria’s defense.
Chebbak can also create danger from set pieces and shots from outside the box.
Ibtissam Jraidi
Ibtissam Jraidi will lead Morocco’s attacking efforts.
The forward is known for her movement inside the penalty area and her ability to finish chances.
She can also create space for teammates by moving away from defenders.
Against Algeria, Jraidi will look to make the most of Morocco’s chances in front of goal.
Sakina Ouzraoui
Sakina Ouzraoui could be one of Morocco’s biggest threats on the wings.
Her pace allows her to attack defenders and create space for the team.
She can also use her movement to get behind the defense and deliver dangerous balls into the box.
If Algeria defends deep, Ouzraoui’s ability to take on defenders could give Morocco another way to break through.
Khadija Er-Rmichi
Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi could also play an important role.
She brings experience and leadership at the back.
After Morocco’s semi-final went to penalties, Er-Rmichi could once again be important if the bronze-medal match remains close.
Her saves and communication with the defense could help Morocco deal with Algeria’s attacking threats.
Algeria
Marine Dafeur
Marine Dafeur is one of Algeria’s main attacking players.
She has played an important role in the Fennecs’ historic run to the semi-finals.
Dafeur can carry the ball forward and create problems in the final third.
Morocco’s defenders will need to limit the space available to her.
Mélissa Bethi
Mélissa Bethi will be important in Algeria’s midfield.
She combines energy with technical ability and can help her team move the ball forward.
Bethi will also have defensive responsibilities as Algeria look to stop Morocco from controlling the midfield.
Her performance could be key to Algeria’s chances of competing with the hosts.
Chloé N’Gazi
Chloé N’Gazi could be one of Algeria’s most important players.
The goalkeeper has impressed during Algeria’s historic WAFCON campaign.
She could face pressure from Morocco’s attacking players throughout the match.
If Morocco create several chances, N’Gazi’s saves could keep Algeria in the game.
Inès Belloumou and Sofia Guellati
Algeria will also rely on Inès Belloumou and Sofia Guellati in defense.
Both defenders will have the difficult task of dealing with Morocco’s wide players and quick attacking combinations.
Their positioning will be especially important when Ouzraoui and Jraidi look to find space.
A North African derby for Bronze
The match is more than a fight for third place.
Morocco want to give their home fans a medal after missing out on the final. Algeria, meanwhile, want to finish their historic campaign with another strong result.
The battle between Morocco’s attacking players and Algeria’s defensive structure could decide the game.
Chebbak’s creativity, Jraidi’s finishing, and Ouzraoui’s pace will be key for Morocco.
For Algeria, Dafeur’s attacking ability, Bethi’s work in midfield, and N’Gazi’s goalkeeping could make the difference.
